Caribbean Community leaders have welcomed what they described as positive talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the bloc’s 50th heads of government summit.

Mr Rubio delivered a brief address on Wednesday before holding closed-door discussions with leaders at the meeting in Basseterre.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said the tone of the remarks signalled Washington’s willingness to strengthen ties with the region.

“The Caribbean has the largest diaspora in the United States and we are also linked by our common humanity,” he told the Caribbean Media Corporation. He said the statement, though brief, indicated a commitment to enhance relations between the United States and CARICOM.

Mr Browne said more detailed discussions were expected to follow, expressing hope for a “reset” in relations. He said closer cooperation should reflect the vulnerabilities and development needs of Caribbean states, while advancing shared security interests and maintaining the hemisphere as a “zone of peace”.

The summit comes amid shifting geopolitical and economic pressures, with regional leaders seeking stronger partnerships on climate resilience, security, migration and sustainable development.

Further details on the outcome of the talks are expected as the 50th CARICOM summit continues.