WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman today concluded a visit to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago focused on strengthening and expanding the two nations’ strategic energy and economic relationship.  The United States is Trinidad and Tobago’s largest market for liquefied natural gas (LNG), importing nearly 60 percent of the LNG exported from the country.  As such, the country plays an integral role in advancing the Bush Administration’s strategy to ensure safe, reliable, clean and diverse energy supplies in the United States.

“The United States is proud of its relationship with a strong and open investment partner like the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and I look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen our partnership,” Secretary Bodman said.  “As our Nation pursues an aggressive energy strategy to increase a diversity of energy supplies and combat global climate change, our friendship and cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago is more important than ever.”

Earlier today, Secretary Bodman spoke to members of the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago about the critical role that the private sector plays in making necessary investments needed to achieve a cleaner, more affordable and more secure energy future.

Following his remarks at the American Chamber of Commerce, Secretary Bodman met with Prime Minister Patrick Manning and other senior level officials, including Energy Minister Conrad Enill, where the officials discussed ways the two countries can work together to increase energy security and enhance the protection of critical energy infrastructure assets.

Secretary Bodman concluded the day with a tour of the Atlantic LNG facility at Point Fortin on the south-west coast of Trinidad.  Atlantic LNG is the largest producer of LNG imported into the United States and is one of two natural gas liquefaction facilities in the western hemisphere.

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