American Defense Ministers Meet in Peru to Boost Cooperation Against Crime and Disasters

Defense ministers and delegates from 33 nations across the Americas gathered in Cusco, Peru, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, for the 17th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CMDA). The meeting aims to bolster continental cooperation in confronting shared challenges, notably transnational organized crime and natural disasters.

Peruvian Minister of Defense Amadeo Flores inaugurated the conference, themed 'America United is Advancing Defense.' He highlighted the forum's significance in fostering regional collaboration and developing joint responses to evolving security threats. The attendees represent a broad spectrum of countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States, among others.

“

This forum will address issues such as strategic resilience, human security, disaster risk management, human talent development, institutional transformation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies for their application in the defense field.

Key agenda items include enhancing strategic resilience, ensuring human security, improving disaster risk management, developing human talent, institutional transformation, and the responsible application of emerging technologies within the defense sector. Minister Flores underscored the importance of political dialogue, adherence to international law, shared responsibility, and alliance building as fundamental pillars for strengthening security, peace, and the well-being of the hemisphere's citizens.

“

Political dialogue, respect for international law, shared responsibility, and the building of alliances are fundamental pillars for strengthening the security, peace, and well-being of the peoples.

Flores also noted that current threats are constantly evolving, necessitating greater anticipation, adaptation, and coordination among nations. He specifically mentioned transnational organized crime, terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural disasters as pressing issues requiring collaborative solutions. The minister expressed confidence that the participants' contributions would lead to significant agreements, advancing the goal of a more secure hemisphere characterized by development, equity, and prosperity for all citizens.

Beyond the main sessions, delegations will engage in bilateral meetings to deepen cooperation ties. Peru is scheduled to hold separate discussions with representatives from Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile as part of the conference's official agenda.

“

I trust that your participation and contributions will allow us to reach transcendent agreements within the framework of the planned objectives, to consolidate the path towards a more secure hemisphere, with development, equity, and well-being for our citizens.