ECNETNews, October 3, 2024: The United States and Guatemala have pledged to bolster security, democracy, and the rule of law through a new High-Level Security Dialogue. This inaugural initiative, announced jointly by both nations, signifies a crucial advancement in their bilateral relations and a collective effort to tackle shared security challenges.
The dialogue aims to create a unified strategy to combat transnational security threats. Both nations acknowledge that enhanced cooperation is essential to confront issues such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. Officials from the U.S. and Guatemala stressed the significance of transparency and governance in achieving these shared objectives.
A key aspect of this partnership includes a commitment from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), which has allocated approximately $100 million to support Guatemala’s security and justice initiatives. This funding, announced earlier this year, forms part of the “Guatemala Se Transforma” initiative, focusing on three vital pillars: Alliances, Good Governance, and Safe Communities.
Alliances
During the dialogue, both governments highlighted the importance of cultivating partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including the private sector and local communities. These discussions are aimed at fostering collaboration on security measures, particularly in Guatemalan ports, and developing community-based solutions to regional challenges. Efforts will also target the enhancement of the National Civil Police by advocating for the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented communities to ensure a more inclusive force.
Good Governance
U.S. and Guatemalan officials underscored the urgency of concrete actions to combat corruption and strengthen democratic institutions. Guatemala is making strides to modernize its National Civil Police to better respond to evolving security threats, enhance accountability, and improve public services. The dialogue also highlighted the need for initiatives that build public trust and create effective reporting mechanisms against corruption.
Safe Communities
The two nations acknowledged Guatemala’s significant progress in tackling drug trafficking, with an impressive increase in drug seizures totaling nearly 11,000 kilograms of illicit substances through September 2024—a remarkable 223 percent rise compared to the previous year. Guatemala is also set to implement regulations aimed at controlling and investigating chemical precursors used in synthetic drug production, including fentanyl.
Moreover, the U.S. will assist in the certification of the Fraijanes 1 Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center, aligning its standards with international correctional guidelines to improve prison conditions in Guatemala.
In a bid to enhance anti-corruption efforts within the security sector, the U.S. plans to expand its support for Guatemala’s National Commission Against Corruption, aiding the implementation of measures that adhere to international anti-corruption agreements.
Commitment to Ongoing Dialogue
Both governments affirmed their dedication to maintaining the High-Level Security Dialogue, emphasizing strategic planning and the rollout of short-, medium-, and long-term initiatives. This dialogue is positioned as a vital mechanism for strengthening bilateral capacities to address national security concerns and the underlying factors of migration, ultimately fostering enhanced security and prosperity in the region.
This new dialogue builds on prior high-level engagements between the two nations, including the U.S.-Guatemala High-Level Economic Dialogue and the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection Ministerial earlier in the year, further advancing mutual goals of security, democracy, and economic growth across Guatemala and the surrounding areas.
