The United States and the governments of Central America’s Northern Triangle – El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras – met today at the U.S. Department of State to discuss a sub-regional approach to improving security at a High Level Security Dialogue. Delegations from Colombia, Mexico, and the Inter-American Development Bank also participated. Officials discussed areas where we will continue to work together to prevent and reduce crime, conduct effective law enforcement and operations, strengthen rule of law institutions, enact meaningful police reform, and undergo joint strategic planning in the Northern Triangle.

Northern Triangle delegations highlighted recent efforts to improve security and the rule of law in their countries. El Salvador described the transfer of 55 high-risk prisoners to high-security prisons in order to minimize the criminal influence of the prisoners. Guatemala discussed investigations, arrests, and ongoing prosecutions of alleged corrupt actions of high-ranking officials, conducted with the support of the United Nations International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala. Honduras presented on the ongoing civilian police reform that demonstrates commitment to civilian policing and violence prevention.

Colombia, Mexico, and the United States shared expertise and lessons learned from their respective domestic contexts. Delegations committed to continue working together to support El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in their efforts to improve security and strengthen rule of law institutions.

The delegations also discussed ways in which each can collaborate with others in the region to address shared challenges, the resolution of which is vital for ensuring that the people of the Northern Triangle are able to benefit fully from increased peace and prosperity in Central America. They agreed on the importance of working collaboratively throughout the hemisphere to fight transnational criminal organizations and to deepen ongoing efforts to enhance regional cooperation and integration.