Trinidad and Tobago: Foreign Relations

Trinidad and Tobago's foreign relations reflect its status as the wealthiest and most industrialized member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with a foreign policy historically grounded in multilateralism, non-alignment, and regional solidarity. As of 2026, under the government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who took office in May 2025 following a United National Congress election victory, the country has pursued a more pragmatic and U.S.-aligned foreign policy than in previous administrations, while continuing to maintain its longstanding CARICOM ties.

Trinidad and Tobago's relationship with the United States centers on security cooperation against transnational crime and narcotics trafficking, alongside close energy and trade ties. As of 2026, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has strengthened this partnership, including participation in the "Shield of the Americas" summit hosted by the United States in March 2026. At the same time, Trinidad and Tobago maintains a working relationship with neighboring Venezuela, located roughly eleven kilometers away, encompassing shared offshore natural gas development and diplomatic gestures of solidarity, such as a joint wreath-laying ceremony in July 2026 honoring victims of Venezuela's June 2026 earthquakes.

Trinidad and Tobago has traditionally served as an influential voice within CARICOM, given its position as the bloc's largest economy. As of 2026, however, the country's closer alignment with U.S. and Venezuela-related policy has created friction with CARICOM's traditional emphasis on non-intervention and non-alignment, prompting debate within the bloc over the balance between national interest and collective regional positions.