For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

Contact: 202-282-8010

Discuss Cooperation on Border Security, Addressing Drug Production

WASHINGTON – Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke this week met with Colombian Vice President Óscar Adolfo Naranjo Trujillo in Washington, DC. Acting Secretary Duke and Vice President Naranjo discussed mutual concerns regarding coca production in Colombia, and reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation and information sharing. They also discussed border security, aviation security, and close cooperation with other key partners in the region on maritime activities.

“The Department of Homeland Security remains committed to working with our partners in Colombia to address illegal drug production which often funds transnational criminal organizations,” said Acting Secretary Duke. “This week, we reaffirmed our commitment to addressing this issue as well as a variety of other shared interests between our countries.”

Earlier this year, DHS hosted the Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America which brought together a diverse group of government and business leaders from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Central America, Colombia, and other countries to address economic, security, and governance challenges and opportunities. The participants dedicated the first day of the conference to advancing prosperity and economic growth in Central America, and the second day to achieving a stable and secure region. This week’s meeting continued the discussions from that conference.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke meets with Colombian Vice President Óscar Adolfo Naranjo Trujillo in Washington, DC. (DHS Official Photo/Jetta Disco)

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