Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to El Salvador and Costa Rica

[The Patriot]

Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to El Salvador and Costa Rica

02-28-2012 04:00 AM

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David Aguilar and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin today traveled to San Salvador, El Salvador and San Jose, Costa Rica to meet with their international counterparts, hear about their priorities and discuss the U.S. Government's work to facilitate legitimate trade and travel, enhance information sharing efforts and ensure a safe, secure and resilient global supply chain.

“International security and the security of our homeland are inextricably linked. Today, threats transcend national borders and affect the security and economic prosperity of the entire international community," said Secretary Napolitano. “We are committed to working together with our Central American partners to strengthen security while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.”

In San Salvador, Secretary Napolitano, Acting Commissioner Aguilar and Assistant Secretary Bersin met with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez and Public Safety Minister David Munguia Payes. During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Secretary Munguia Payes signed an agreement affirming their shared commitment to enhancing information sharing and aviation security. Secretary Napolitano then met with Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes to discuss collaboration on international law enforcement efforts between the United States and El Salvador.

Secretary Napolitano, Acting Commissioner Aguilar and Assistant Secretary Bersin then traveled to San Jose, Costa Rica where they met with Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, Minister of Public Safety Mario Zamora, and Acting Foreign Minister Carlos Roversi. Secretary Napolitano signed an aviation security agreement with Minister Zamora that will strengthen the capability of both nations to combat transnational crime and improve citizen security through enhanced information sharing while continuing to facilitate lawful travel and trade.

Yesterday, Secretary Napolitano traveled to Mexico City and Guatemala City to meet with her international counterparts and discuss opportunities for further collaboration. Secretary Napolitano will continue to Panama tomorrow, where she will participate in bilateral meetings and deliver remarks at the Integrated Border Management Seminar in Panama City.

For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.

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