Cooperation Between the United States and El Salvador: Advances in Security and Trade
Troy Miller, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), made an official visit to El Salvador in October 2024, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations in the areas of security and trade between the two nations. During his visit, new agreements were signed to enhance collaboration in key areas, such as information sharing and trade facilitation.
Strengthening Economic and Security Cooperation
During this visit, Miller emphasized the importance of El Salvador as a strategic partner for the United States in Central America. According to Miller, the collaboration between CBP and the Salvadoran government covers crucial topics such as border security, the fight against drug trafficking, and transnational criminal organizations, all while promoting trade between the two nations.
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Mr. Miller, accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, William Duncan, held a meeting with the Salvadoran Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexandra Hill, to explore new ways of collaborating in security and trade. These discussions identified future cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
Signing of Key Agreements
During his stay, Miller met with senior officials from El Salvador’s economic cabinet, including the Minister of Finance, Jerson Posada; the Minister of Economy, María Luisa Hayem; and the Secretary of Commerce and Investments, Miguel Kattan. One of the most notable actions of this visit was the signing of a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) between the United States and El Salvador. This agreement aims to improve border security and facilitate trade by exchanging information on customs violations, thereby strengthening cooperation in customs management between both countries.
Another important agreement was the signing of the Passenger Information Sharing Agreement (ATS-G) between CBP and the Salvadoran Directorate General of Immigration. This agreement will enable greater collaboration in assessing traveler risks and sharing information related to border security and the fight against terrorism.
Training and Institutional Strengthening
In addition to the agreements signed, Miller visited the International Law Enforcement Academy in San Salvador, where CBP personnel collaborate in training security professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean. The academy offers training on topics such as border interdiction and drug trafficking. During his visit, Miller met with students from CBP training programs and shared his experience in combating transnational criminal organizations.
Miller also met with CBP personnel stationed in El Salvador, who support regional security initiatives throughout Latin America.
Implications of the Cooperation
The agreements reached between the United States and El Salvador reflect a mutual commitment to improving security and facilitating trade, while also strengthening cooperation in addressing transnational threats. These advancements highlight El Salvador’s key role as a strategic partner in joint efforts to tackle regional challenges.
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