Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio held their first official talks via telephone yesterday.

The US Department of State ­issued a statement from spokesperson Tammy Bruce, which said ­Rubio and Persad-Bissessar discussed opportunities to enhance co-operation on mutual priorities, regional security, and defence ­cooperation.

Bruce stated that Rubio congra­tulated Persad-Bissessar on being elected, and disclosed that they “discussed strengthening our partnership to advance regional security and mutual priorities. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ strong and enduring partnership with Trinidad and Tobago, grounded in deep historic ties and shared goals for regional security and prosperity”.