1 00:00:00,009 --> 00:00:01,799 This is the Latina 2 00:00:08,810 --> 00:00:09,810 Yeah . 3 00:00:13,449 --> 00:00:14,449 I'm like . 4 00:00:24,829 --> 00:00:27,850 I know . I know . 5 00:00:42,849 --> 00:00:43,000 I 6 00:00:54,319 --> 00:00:55,597 Gentleman right here . 7 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:05,782 Can you get a good photo of everybody . 8 00:01:12,839 --> 00:01:15,061 All gentlemen , can we put our hands on 9 00:01:15,061 --> 00:01:16,900 our sides ? OK one more 10 00:01:28,870 --> 00:01:29,870 Alright . 11 00:01:51,809 --> 00:01:54,031 Good morning . Welcome to the America's 12 00:01:54,031 --> 00:01:56,410 Countercartel Conference , hosted by 13 00:01:56,410 --> 00:01:58,519 the Secretary of War , the Honorable 14 00:01:58,519 --> 00:02:00,741 Pete Hegseth , and the Commander of the 15 00:02:00,741 --> 00:02:02,575 United States Southern Command , 16 00:02:02,650 --> 00:02:05,089 General Francis Donovan . We thank you 17 00:02:05,089 --> 00:02:07,145 for traveling to be here with us for 18 00:02:07,145 --> 00:02:09,367 this historic convening . The America's 19 00:02:09,367 --> 00:02:11,589 Countercartel Conference is a testament 20 00:02:11,589 --> 00:02:13,160 to our partnership and this 21 00:02:13,160 --> 00:02:15,327 administration's unwavering commitment 22 00:02:15,327 --> 00:02:17,216 to secure the US homeland and our 23 00:02:17,216 --> 00:02:19,438 hemisphere . At this time , I'd like to 24 00:02:19,438 --> 00:02:21,549 introduce the commander of the United 25 00:02:21,549 --> 00:02:23,438 States Southern Command , General 26 00:02:23,438 --> 00:02:24,438 Francis Donovan . 27 00:02:42,899 --> 00:02:46,800 Buenos Dias Welcome to Doral in the 28 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:49,160 United States Southern Command for the 29 00:02:49,160 --> 00:02:51,460 America's Counter-cartel conference . 30 00:02:52,559 --> 00:02:54,670 It was a pleasure to meet many of you 31 00:02:54,670 --> 00:02:56,837 last night at the reception , and even 32 00:02:56,837 --> 00:02:58,948 better to see many of the friends and 33 00:02:58,948 --> 00:03:01,080 teammates we met last month at the 34 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:03,080 CHADS conference in Washington DC . 35 00:03:04,009 --> 00:03:06,360 Secretary Hagson . Sir , thank you for 36 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:08,471 hosting this vital gathering and your 37 00:03:08,471 --> 00:03:10,582 enduring leadership . Each day you're 38 00:03:10,582 --> 00:03:12,693 ensuring the security , stability and 39 00:03:12,693 --> 00:03:14,916 prosperity of the United States and the 40 00:03:14,916 --> 00:03:18,110 entire hemisphere . I'd also like to 41 00:03:18,110 --> 00:03:20,221 welcome and thank the Deputy Chief of 42 00:03:20,221 --> 00:03:22,332 Staff for policy and assistant to the 43 00:03:22,332 --> 00:03:24,443 President of Homeland Security , Mr . 44 00:03:24,443 --> 00:03:26,554 Steven Miller . The Undersecretary of 45 00:03:26,554 --> 00:03:28,777 War for Policy , the Honorable Eldridge 46 00:03:28,777 --> 00:03:30,943 Colby , who'll be joining us virtually 47 00:03:30,943 --> 00:03:33,166 today . The chief of the National Guard 48 00:03:33,166 --> 00:03:35,110 Bureau , General Steven Nordhaus , 49 00:03:35,110 --> 00:03:37,221 Spock , thank you very much for being 50 00:03:37,221 --> 00:03:39,332 here . The Assistant Secretary of War 51 00:03:39,332 --> 00:03:38,899 for Cyber Policy , the Honorable 52 00:03:38,899 --> 00:03:41,860 Catherine Sutton . The Acting Assistant 53 00:03:41,860 --> 00:03:43,971 Secretary of War for Homeland Defense 54 00:03:43,971 --> 00:03:46,193 and the American Security Affairs , and 55 00:03:46,193 --> 00:03:48,360 my now best friend , Mr . Joseph Hua . 56 00:03:49,610 --> 00:03:51,410 The Principal Deputy Assistant 57 00:03:51,410 --> 00:03:53,632 Secretary of War for Homeland Defense , 58 00:03:53,632 --> 00:03:55,688 the American Security Affairs , Mr . 59 00:03:55,688 --> 00:03:57,854 Mark Dibelson , and the senior advisor 60 00:03:57,854 --> 00:03:59,854 to the Secretary of War , Mr . Eric 61 00:03:59,854 --> 00:04:02,119 Garasi , Mr . Patrick Weaver , and Mr . 62 00:04:02,130 --> 00:04:05,529 Philip Hegseth . And welcome , most 63 00:04:05,529 --> 00:04:07,529 importantly , to all of our partner 64 00:04:07,529 --> 00:04:10,339 nations' ministers , ambassadors , and 65 00:04:10,339 --> 00:04:12,395 leaders joining us today . Thank you 66 00:04:12,395 --> 00:04:16,239 all for being here . Today we 67 00:04:16,239 --> 00:04:18,399 stand together at a very critical 68 00:04:18,399 --> 00:04:22,040 moment . Narco traffickers , drug 69 00:04:22,040 --> 00:04:25,100 cartels , engage in campaigns of terror , 70 00:04:25,519 --> 00:04:27,600 violence , and corruption to enrich 71 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:30,399 themselves and expand their insidious 72 00:04:30,399 --> 00:04:33,000 influence . They are poisoning and 73 00:04:33,000 --> 00:04:35,670 killing all of our nation's citizens . 74 00:04:37,989 --> 00:04:40,156 These sophisticated networks flood our 75 00:04:40,156 --> 00:04:43,170 streets with fentanyl , cocaine , and 76 00:04:43,170 --> 00:04:45,429 other drugs that kill at a higher rate 77 00:04:45,429 --> 00:04:48,670 than any conventional war . This is the 78 00:04:48,670 --> 00:04:51,660 single gravest threat to security in 79 00:04:51,660 --> 00:04:53,827 our region and across our hemisphere . 80 00:04:55,269 --> 00:04:57,269 To counter this threat , the United 81 00:04:57,269 --> 00:04:59,158 States is guided by the strategic 82 00:04:59,158 --> 00:05:02,029 vision of peace through security set 83 00:05:02,029 --> 00:05:03,807 forth in both the United States 84 00:05:03,807 --> 00:05:05,989 national security strategy and the 85 00:05:05,989 --> 00:05:08,309 national defense strategy . These 86 00:05:08,309 --> 00:05:10,309 documents give our military a clear 87 00:05:10,309 --> 00:05:13,220 mandate in the Western Hemisphere to 88 00:05:13,220 --> 00:05:16,170 defend the US homeland . And increase 89 00:05:16,170 --> 00:05:18,450 burden sharing with our allies and 90 00:05:18,450 --> 00:05:22,089 partners to do so . We are your 91 00:05:22,089 --> 00:05:25,130 premier partner to work with by with 92 00:05:25,130 --> 00:05:27,410 and through your nations to achieve 93 00:05:27,410 --> 00:05:31,029 shared objectives . But when necessary , 94 00:05:31,609 --> 00:05:33,790 we will not hesitate to act . 95 00:05:35,239 --> 00:05:37,350 Operation Southern Spear and Absolute 96 00:05:37,350 --> 00:05:39,517 Resolve are proof of this commitment . 97 00:05:40,100 --> 00:05:42,044 Through these efforts , the United 98 00:05:42,044 --> 00:05:44,267 States is combating narco-terrorism and 99 00:05:44,267 --> 00:05:46,630 drug trafficking , and most importantly , 100 00:05:46,750 --> 00:05:50,079 restoring deterrence . The Western 101 00:05:50,079 --> 00:05:52,299 Hemisphere is our neighborhood , and 102 00:05:52,299 --> 00:05:54,521 the narco terrorists who seek to export 103 00:05:54,521 --> 00:05:56,720 drugs and death to our shores and your 104 00:05:56,720 --> 00:05:59,940 shores will be dismantled and defeated . 105 00:06:01,549 --> 00:06:03,660 As allies and partners , we must take 106 00:06:03,660 --> 00:06:06,179 aggressive action together , sharing 107 00:06:06,179 --> 00:06:08,559 the burden through cooperation . We now 108 00:06:08,559 --> 00:06:10,115 call upon our long-standing 109 00:06:10,115 --> 00:06:12,281 relationships built on a foundation of 110 00:06:12,281 --> 00:06:14,615 trust and linked through shared culture , 111 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:17,119 history , and economic aspirations to 112 00:06:17,119 --> 00:06:19,119 unite for the benefit of all of our 113 00:06:19,119 --> 00:06:22,399 nations . Our mutual security is at 114 00:06:22,399 --> 00:06:25,209 stake . Through combined operations , 115 00:06:25,649 --> 00:06:28,140 training exercises , intelligence 116 00:06:28,140 --> 00:06:30,251 information sharing , we will achieve 117 00:06:30,251 --> 00:06:31,751 greater domain awareness , 118 00:06:31,929 --> 00:06:34,769 interoperability and capacity to 119 00:06:34,769 --> 00:06:36,491 strengthen regional security . 120 00:06:38,579 --> 00:06:40,468 With all nations shouldering this 121 00:06:40,468 --> 00:06:42,690 burden , our collective resilience will 122 00:06:42,690 --> 00:06:44,801 prevent shared adversaries from using 123 00:06:44,801 --> 00:06:47,000 the region to further their maligned 124 00:06:47,299 --> 00:06:51,019 agendas . The time is now . Today marks 125 00:06:51,019 --> 00:06:53,019 the next step towards moving out to 126 00:06:53,019 --> 00:06:55,241 deter and defeat those who threaten the 127 00:06:55,241 --> 00:06:57,459 security , stability and prosperity of 128 00:06:57,459 --> 00:07:00,000 the United States and this hemisphere . 129 00:07:00,940 --> 00:07:02,940 We all face these threats , and the 130 00:07:02,940 --> 00:07:04,829 most effective way to counter and 131 00:07:04,829 --> 00:07:07,107 eradicate them is by standing together . 132 00:07:08,089 --> 00:07:10,089 Before I turn the stage over , Mr . 133 00:07:10,089 --> 00:07:12,311 Huma , I'd like to once again thank you 134 00:07:12,311 --> 00:07:14,367 for your stalwart partnership . Your 135 00:07:14,367 --> 00:07:15,922 participation here sends an 136 00:07:15,922 --> 00:07:18,660 unmistakable message to partners and 137 00:07:18,660 --> 00:07:21,609 adversaries alike . We are taking the 138 00:07:21,609 --> 00:07:23,720 fight to the narco-terrorists and the 139 00:07:23,720 --> 00:07:26,619 cartels . Not only are we redoubling 140 00:07:26,619 --> 00:07:28,230 our commitment to defend the 141 00:07:28,230 --> 00:07:30,563 sovereignty and security of our nations , 142 00:07:30,563 --> 00:07:32,786 we are doing it together to realize our 143 00:07:32,786 --> 00:07:35,339 common vision of a safer , stronger , 144 00:07:35,510 --> 00:07:37,788 and more prosperous Western Hemisphere . 145 00:07:37,899 --> 00:07:39,010 Let's get to work . 146 00:07:47,390 --> 00:07:49,446 Thank you , General Donovan . Ladies 147 00:07:49,446 --> 00:07:51,557 and gentlemen , performing the duties 148 00:07:51,557 --> 00:07:53,446 of Assistant Secretary of War for 149 00:07:53,446 --> 00:07:55,668 Homeland Defense and America's Security 150 00:07:55,668 --> 00:07:57,168 Affairs , Joseph Humeyer . 151 00:08:04,040 --> 00:08:07,470 Good morning , Rosas . And I'd be 152 00:08:07,470 --> 00:08:09,529 remiss if I didn't , uh , begin by 153 00:08:09,529 --> 00:08:11,640 thanking my new best friend , General 154 00:08:11,640 --> 00:08:13,529 Donovan , uh , for your excellent 155 00:08:13,529 --> 00:08:15,473 remarks and , and frankly for your 156 00:08:15,473 --> 00:08:17,696 excellent teamwork here at SOCOM . Uh , 157 00:08:17,696 --> 00:08:19,696 your team has truly been amazing at 158 00:08:19,696 --> 00:08:21,696 putting all this together in just a 159 00:08:21,696 --> 00:08:23,862 matter of a few weeks . So thank you , 160 00:08:23,862 --> 00:08:25,862 General . I'd also like to begin by 161 00:08:25,862 --> 00:08:27,807 acknowledging uh a special team of 162 00:08:27,807 --> 00:08:29,918 senior advisors and defense officials 163 00:08:29,918 --> 00:08:31,973 who have not for their efforts , and 164 00:08:31,973 --> 00:08:33,918 not just today , but over the last 165 00:08:33,918 --> 00:08:36,029 several months , uh , we frankly just 166 00:08:36,029 --> 00:08:38,251 wouldn't be here today . So , a special 167 00:08:38,251 --> 00:08:40,473 thank you to Principal Deputy Assistant 168 00:08:40,473 --> 00:08:42,362 Secretary Divison . Acting Deputy 169 00:08:42,362 --> 00:08:44,529 Assistant Secretary Strassbaugh , Mr . 170 00:08:44,529 --> 00:08:47,539 Eric Gerasi . Senior advisor Mateo 171 00:08:47,539 --> 00:08:50,299 Haydar , and a special sincere and 172 00:08:50,299 --> 00:08:53,659 heartfelt thank you to senior advisors , 173 00:08:53,669 --> 00:08:56,900 Philip Hegseth and Patrick Weaver . If 174 00:08:56,900 --> 00:08:58,844 it wasn't for you , frankly , this 175 00:08:58,844 --> 00:09:01,130 would not have happened . To all our 176 00:09:01,130 --> 00:09:03,289 interagency friends and foreign 177 00:09:03,289 --> 00:09:05,650 partners , this is truly a historic 178 00:09:05,650 --> 00:09:07,929 moment for the United States , for the 179 00:09:07,929 --> 00:09:10,510 Western Hemisphere , and for the world . 180 00:09:10,890 --> 00:09:12,834 In the room today , we have senior 181 00:09:12,834 --> 00:09:15,168 leadership from the Department of State , 182 00:09:15,168 --> 00:09:17,057 Department of Homeland Security , 183 00:09:17,057 --> 00:09:19,112 National Security Council , Homeland 184 00:09:19,112 --> 00:09:21,223 Security Council , Office of National 185 00:09:21,223 --> 00:09:23,223 Drug Control Policy , Office of the 186 00:09:23,223 --> 00:09:23,010 Vice President , and of course , the 187 00:09:23,010 --> 00:09:25,440 White House . I'm honored to be with 188 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:27,662 here , here with you today as Secretary 189 00:09:27,662 --> 00:09:29,773 Hexas , Acting Assistant Secretary of 190 00:09:29,773 --> 00:09:31,840 War for Homeland Defense and the 191 00:09:31,840 --> 00:09:34,320 Americas . Welcome everyone to the 192 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:36,042 first America's Counter-cartel 193 00:09:36,042 --> 00:09:39,429 conference in history . Every morning 194 00:09:39,429 --> 00:09:41,540 before I enter the Pentagon , I say a 195 00:09:41,540 --> 00:09:43,873 prayer in my car to our Heavenly Father , 196 00:09:44,309 --> 00:09:46,531 and I do this because I'm blessed . I'm 197 00:09:46,531 --> 00:09:48,753 blessed to be able to work in a once-in 198 00:09:48,753 --> 00:09:50,976 a-lifetime administration , to work for 199 00:09:50,976 --> 00:09:52,753 a once-in a-generation leader , 200 00:09:52,753 --> 00:09:55,030 President Donald J . Trump . And 201 00:09:55,030 --> 00:09:57,086 frankly , if it wasn't for President 202 00:09:57,086 --> 00:09:59,030 Trump , none of us , including our 203 00:09:59,030 --> 00:09:58,809 foreign partners , would be here today . 204 00:10:00,099 --> 00:10:02,210 President Trump , Secretary Hegseth , 205 00:10:02,210 --> 00:10:04,460 Mr . Stephen Miller , our leadership 206 00:10:04,460 --> 00:10:06,516 today understands an empirical truth 207 00:10:06,700 --> 00:10:08,644 that all the leaders of the United 208 00:10:08,644 --> 00:10:10,589 States missed for decades , if not 209 00:10:10,589 --> 00:10:13,179 centuries . They missed the fact that 210 00:10:13,179 --> 00:10:15,401 the Americas is , is an extension of US 211 00:10:15,401 --> 00:10:17,739 homeland defense , that hemispheric 212 00:10:17,739 --> 00:10:20,210 defense is a part of US homeland 213 00:10:20,210 --> 00:10:22,739 defense , and this statement of fact is 214 00:10:22,739 --> 00:10:25,140 now reflected in US policy through the 215 00:10:25,140 --> 00:10:27,900 2025 national security strategy and the 216 00:10:27,900 --> 00:10:30,419 2026 national defense strategy that 217 00:10:30,419 --> 00:10:32,469 correctly places the Americas as a 218 00:10:32,469 --> 00:10:34,969 regional priority . Just think about 219 00:10:34,969 --> 00:10:37,025 where we were a little over one year 220 00:10:37,025 --> 00:10:39,260 ago today . And those of you that know 221 00:10:39,260 --> 00:10:41,204 me know that I've been working and 222 00:10:41,204 --> 00:10:43,427 studying on uh regional issues for more 223 00:10:43,427 --> 00:10:45,482 than 20 years , so I can confidently 224 00:10:45,482 --> 00:10:48,099 say that in 2024 , prior to President 225 00:10:48,099 --> 00:10:50,219 Trump , I had never seen the Americas 226 00:10:50,219 --> 00:10:52,719 in worse shape . Prior to President 227 00:10:52,719 --> 00:10:54,608 Trump , there was record-breaking 228 00:10:54,608 --> 00:10:56,386 illegal mass migration that was 229 00:10:56,386 --> 00:10:58,386 collapsing our border , and many of 230 00:10:58,386 --> 00:11:00,330 your borders as well . There was 231 00:11:00,330 --> 00:11:02,330 record-breaking deaths of Americans 232 00:11:02,330 --> 00:11:04,497 from deadly drugs that were transiting 233 00:11:04,497 --> 00:11:06,497 through your countries and stealing 234 00:11:06,497 --> 00:11:08,497 your sovereignty . The explosion of 235 00:11:08,497 --> 00:11:10,940 transnational organized crime in every 236 00:11:10,940 --> 00:11:13,107 single country throughout the Americas 237 00:11:13,107 --> 00:11:15,218 was destroying our shared region . If 238 00:11:15,218 --> 00:11:17,580 you think about it , before President 239 00:11:17,580 --> 00:11:20,049 Trump , we were breaking all the 240 00:11:20,049 --> 00:11:22,950 records for all the wrong things . And 241 00:11:22,950 --> 00:11:25,061 it was even worse because there was a 242 00:11:25,061 --> 00:11:27,228 growing false narrative throughout the 243 00:11:27,228 --> 00:11:29,830 region . That was taking hold that said 244 00:11:29,830 --> 00:11:31,774 you cannot win a war against major 245 00:11:31,774 --> 00:11:34,070 cartels and gangs , because they are 246 00:11:34,070 --> 00:11:37,059 too powerful . In some cases , and even 247 00:11:37,059 --> 00:11:39,460 in some countries , frankly , they were 248 00:11:39,460 --> 00:11:42,229 giving up and adopted a posture of , if 249 00:11:42,229 --> 00:11:44,190 you can't beat them , join them . 250 00:11:45,630 --> 00:11:47,797 That's not tolerable anymore , not for 251 00:11:47,797 --> 00:11:49,630 the United States , not for your 252 00:11:49,630 --> 00:11:51,186 countries , and not for our 253 00:11:51,186 --> 00:11:53,130 neighborhood . If you look to your 254 00:11:53,130 --> 00:11:55,130 right , and you look to your left , 255 00:11:55,229 --> 00:11:57,340 you'll find partners that are willing 256 00:11:57,340 --> 00:11:59,330 to fight with you . And if we 257 00:11:59,330 --> 00:12:01,497 collectively fight together , there is 258 00:12:01,497 --> 00:12:03,386 no gang , there's no terrorists , 259 00:12:03,386 --> 00:12:05,608 there's no cartel that is more powerful 260 00:12:05,608 --> 00:12:08,320 than us . We are here today because 261 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:10,542 each of you has committed to doing your 262 00:12:10,542 --> 00:12:12,709 part , and that commitment cannot just 263 00:12:12,709 --> 00:12:14,876 be lip service . This must come with a 264 00:12:14,876 --> 00:12:16,709 new approach and a new normal to 265 00:12:16,709 --> 00:12:18,542 dismantle and destroy our shared 266 00:12:18,542 --> 00:12:20,820 threats of cartels and narco-terrorism . 267 00:12:20,820 --> 00:12:22,987 There'll be a lot of discussions today 268 00:12:22,987 --> 00:12:22,909 and a myriad of topics , but I really 269 00:12:22,909 --> 00:12:25,076 want to quickly emphasize two that are 270 00:12:25,076 --> 00:12:26,853 central to this effort , border 271 00:12:26,853 --> 00:12:29,969 security and deterrence . If you do not 272 00:12:29,969 --> 00:12:32,136 control your borders , you do not have 273 00:12:32,136 --> 00:12:33,913 a country . Border security and 274 00:12:33,913 --> 00:12:35,969 territorial integrity , as President 275 00:12:35,969 --> 00:12:38,119 Trump has shown , is possible . Since 276 00:12:38,119 --> 00:12:40,286 1648 , since the Peace of Westphalia , 277 00:12:40,369 --> 00:12:42,369 sovereignty has been the bedrock of 278 00:12:42,369 --> 00:12:44,480 human flourishing . You do not have a 279 00:12:44,480 --> 00:12:46,369 democracy if you do not have your 280 00:12:46,369 --> 00:12:48,258 sovereignty , and you cannot have 281 00:12:48,258 --> 00:12:50,202 sovereignty without borders . Open 282 00:12:50,202 --> 00:12:52,258 borders make transnational organized 283 00:12:52,258 --> 00:12:54,480 crime fundamentally transnational . And 284 00:12:54,480 --> 00:12:56,591 you do not combat transnational crime 285 00:12:56,591 --> 00:12:58,702 with transnational institutions , you 286 00:12:58,702 --> 00:13:00,647 fight it with borders and national 287 00:13:00,647 --> 00:13:02,369 sovereignty . If we remove the 288 00:13:02,369 --> 00:13:04,202 transnational from transnational 289 00:13:04,202 --> 00:13:06,258 organized crime , it becomes a local 290 00:13:06,258 --> 00:13:08,425 problem , becomes a solvable problem . 291 00:13:08,450 --> 00:13:10,450 The second point is on deterrence . 292 00:13:11,630 --> 00:13:14,590 Interdiction , while necessary , is not 293 00:13:14,590 --> 00:13:17,609 deterrence . Dialogue , while useful , 294 00:13:18,070 --> 00:13:20,429 is not deterrence . Failing to control 295 00:13:20,429 --> 00:13:22,540 your prisons , your borders , or your 296 00:13:22,540 --> 00:13:25,030 waters is not deterrence . Going on 297 00:13:25,030 --> 00:13:27,909 offense is deterrence . Operation 298 00:13:27,909 --> 00:13:29,576 Southern Spear shows that the 299 00:13:29,576 --> 00:13:31,631 deterrence is taking lethal and bold 300 00:13:31,631 --> 00:13:34,109 actions , and our goal is for every 301 00:13:34,109 --> 00:13:36,390 partner in this room today to start 302 00:13:36,390 --> 00:13:39,090 leading deterrence focused offensive 303 00:13:39,090 --> 00:13:41,989 operations against your cartels . And 304 00:13:41,989 --> 00:13:44,211 finally , to wrap up , I want to make a 305 00:13:44,211 --> 00:13:45,989 point about geography , because 306 00:13:45,989 --> 00:13:47,767 geography in this hemisphere is 307 00:13:47,767 --> 00:13:49,933 indispensable to security . I mean the 308 00:13:49,933 --> 00:13:52,045 secret sauce of Latin America and the 309 00:13:52,045 --> 00:13:54,267 Caribbean to be a regional priority for 310 00:13:54,267 --> 00:13:56,378 the United States , it's not the size 311 00:13:56,378 --> 00:13:58,045 of your trade , it's not your 312 00:13:58,045 --> 00:14:00,049 populations or your military , it's 313 00:14:00,049 --> 00:14:01,938 because we are always going to be 314 00:14:01,938 --> 00:14:03,716 connected because of our shared 315 00:14:03,716 --> 00:14:05,382 geography . The United States 316 00:14:05,382 --> 00:14:09,010 understood this going back to 1815 when 317 00:14:09,010 --> 00:14:11,330 two leaders in a relatively young 318 00:14:11,330 --> 00:14:13,489 department of war pushed back against 319 00:14:13,489 --> 00:14:15,656 their own establishment at that time , 320 00:14:15,656 --> 00:14:17,711 not to look north or to look to look 321 00:14:17,711 --> 00:14:20,710 east but rather to look south . The 322 00:14:20,710 --> 00:14:22,877 Department of War back then fought and 323 00:14:22,877 --> 00:14:24,988 won the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 324 00:14:24,988 --> 00:14:26,988 that connected the United States to 325 00:14:26,988 --> 00:14:29,099 what is now the Gulf of America . And 326 00:14:29,099 --> 00:14:31,419 that moment 210 years ago connected my 327 00:14:31,419 --> 00:14:34,299 country to yours . And just a few years 328 00:14:34,299 --> 00:14:36,410 after that , the same two leaders led 329 00:14:36,410 --> 00:14:38,577 the Department of War to fight another 330 00:14:38,577 --> 00:14:40,688 war on our southern southern border , 331 00:14:40,688 --> 00:14:42,979 the Seminole Wars . This time to 332 00:14:42,979 --> 00:14:44,923 protect our borders against Indian 333 00:14:44,923 --> 00:14:46,812 tribes that trespassed our land , 334 00:14:46,812 --> 00:14:49,146 raided our towns , and killed Americans . 335 00:14:49,146 --> 00:14:51,146 We ultimately won these battles and 336 00:14:51,146 --> 00:14:53,312 transferred the great state of Florida 337 00:14:53,312 --> 00:14:55,380 in 1821 , and then a mere two years 338 00:14:55,380 --> 00:14:58,260 later , one of these leaders declared 339 00:14:58,260 --> 00:15:00,427 something called the Monroe Doctrine . 340 00:15:01,250 --> 00:15:03,669 The legacy of then Secretary of War , 341 00:15:03,690 --> 00:15:05,729 James Monroe , who later become 342 00:15:05,729 --> 00:15:07,770 President James Monroe , and Major 343 00:15:07,770 --> 00:15:10,010 General Andrew Jackson , who also later 344 00:15:10,010 --> 00:15:11,732 became president , defines the 345 00:15:11,732 --> 00:15:14,010 challenge that we have before us today . 346 00:15:14,159 --> 00:15:16,437 They say history doesn't repeat itself , 347 00:15:16,437 --> 00:15:18,215 but it tends to rhyme . And our 348 00:15:18,215 --> 00:15:20,326 interest over the shared geography is 349 00:15:20,326 --> 00:15:22,679 the same today as it was 200 years ago . 350 00:15:24,099 --> 00:15:26,059 Today , the Department of War once 351 00:15:26,059 --> 00:15:28,059 again has historic leadership under 352 00:15:28,059 --> 00:15:30,299 Secretary Pete Hegseth , committed to 353 00:15:30,299 --> 00:15:32,410 working with all of you to secure the 354 00:15:32,410 --> 00:15:34,570 Western Hemisphere once and for all . 355 00:15:34,780 --> 00:15:36,336 Thank you . God bless you . 356 00:15:44,099 --> 00:15:46,266 Thank you . I would now like to invite 357 00:15:46,266 --> 00:15:48,321 Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and 358 00:15:48,321 --> 00:15:50,543 Assistant to the President for Homeland 359 00:15:50,543 --> 00:15:52,821 Security , Steven Miller to the podium . 360 00:15:52,821 --> 00:15:54,330 Sir , the floor is yours . 361 00:16:14,260 --> 00:16:17,380 General Nordhaus , and thank you to my 362 00:16:17,380 --> 00:16:20,159 good friend Secretary Hegseth , who 363 00:16:21,080 --> 00:16:23,247 I've long admired , but I've gotten to 364 00:16:23,247 --> 00:16:25,413 know him personally in the last number 365 00:16:25,413 --> 00:16:27,520 of months , and he is as fine a 366 00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:29,576 gentleman and as fierce a warrior as 367 00:16:29,576 --> 00:16:31,520 you will ever meet , and we've all 368 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:33,742 learned to put our faith and confidence 369 00:16:33,742 --> 00:16:36,076 in his leadership of the War Department . 370 00:16:36,076 --> 00:16:38,131 So thank you , Pete . There's been a 371 00:16:38,131 --> 00:16:40,979 paradigm shift under President Trump in 372 00:16:40,979 --> 00:16:43,580 the Western Hemisphere in the last 14 373 00:16:43,580 --> 00:16:46,130 months . Some of that was touched on by 374 00:16:46,130 --> 00:16:48,210 the earlier speakers , but just to 375 00:16:48,210 --> 00:16:51,820 restate it . We are not going to 376 00:16:51,820 --> 00:16:55,140 cede an inch of territory in this 377 00:16:55,140 --> 00:16:57,020 hemisphere to our enemies or 378 00:16:57,020 --> 00:16:59,580 adversaries . Our national security , 379 00:16:59,739 --> 00:17:02,219 our homeland security , the safety and 380 00:17:02,219 --> 00:17:04,699 well-being of our people begins at home , 381 00:17:04,939 --> 00:17:07,106 begins in our neighborhood , begins in 382 00:17:07,106 --> 00:17:09,619 our home region . And for too long we 383 00:17:09,619 --> 00:17:11,819 have allowed foreign enemies , foreign 384 00:17:11,819 --> 00:17:15,438 adversaries . And Enemy 385 00:17:15,438 --> 00:17:17,928 terrorist organizations to control 386 00:17:17,928 --> 00:17:20,428 territory and spaces in this hemisphere 387 00:17:20,568 --> 00:17:22,889 where they can project power , project 388 00:17:22,889 --> 00:17:24,928 threats , and directly threaten the 389 00:17:24,928 --> 00:17:27,261 lives of your citizens and our citizens . 390 00:17:27,739 --> 00:17:29,461 And so under the leadership of 391 00:17:29,461 --> 00:17:31,461 President Trump , we are using hard 392 00:17:31,461 --> 00:17:34,520 power , military power , lethal force 393 00:17:34,739 --> 00:17:36,683 to protect and defend the American 394 00:17:36,683 --> 00:17:40,000 homeland . Not a single one of your 395 00:17:40,000 --> 00:17:43,109 nations should tolerate the existence 396 00:17:43,250 --> 00:17:46,250 of a single square mile of territory 397 00:17:46,410 --> 00:17:49,109 that is under the control of any entity 398 00:17:49,290 --> 00:17:51,512 other than the sovereign governments of 399 00:17:51,512 --> 00:17:53,623 your country . The idea that we would 400 00:17:53,623 --> 00:17:56,180 have in this hemisphere . Area that are 401 00:17:56,180 --> 00:17:58,291 under the physical control of foreign 402 00:17:58,291 --> 00:18:01,079 terrorist organizations , paramilitary 403 00:18:01,130 --> 00:18:02,797 organizations , is completely 404 00:18:02,797 --> 00:18:06,670 unacceptable . The cartels that operate 405 00:18:06,670 --> 00:18:09,270 in this hemisphere are the ISIS and the 406 00:18:09,270 --> 00:18:12,069 al Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere and 407 00:18:12,069 --> 00:18:14,236 should be treated just as brutally and 408 00:18:14,236 --> 00:18:16,291 just as ruthlessly as we treat those 409 00:18:16,291 --> 00:18:18,402 organizations . We have learned after 410 00:18:18,402 --> 00:18:20,569 decades of effort is that there is not 411 00:18:20,569 --> 00:18:23,050 a criminal justice solution . To the 412 00:18:23,050 --> 00:18:25,217 cartel problem . There are elements of 413 00:18:25,217 --> 00:18:27,217 the problem that require a criminal 414 00:18:27,217 --> 00:18:29,689 justice solution , to be sure . But 415 00:18:29,689 --> 00:18:32,040 just as we fought al Qaeda and fought 416 00:18:32,040 --> 00:18:34,770 ISIS with the tip of a very lethal 417 00:18:34,770 --> 00:18:36,810 spear , the reason why this is a 418 00:18:36,810 --> 00:18:39,869 conference with military leadership and 419 00:18:39,869 --> 00:18:42,979 not a conference of lawyers . is 420 00:18:42,979 --> 00:18:45,500 because these organizations can only be 421 00:18:45,500 --> 00:18:48,819 defeated with military power . And I 422 00:18:48,819 --> 00:18:51,041 see some heads nodding up front because 423 00:18:51,041 --> 00:18:53,152 they understand you're dealing with a 424 00:18:53,152 --> 00:18:52,260 lot of lawyers in your own country , 425 00:18:52,339 --> 00:18:54,680 I'm sure . You have my permission not 426 00:18:54,680 --> 00:18:55,791 to listen to them . 427 00:18:59,869 --> 00:19:03,349 The , the key condition of human 428 00:19:03,349 --> 00:19:07,280 flourishing , of prosperity . Is order 429 00:19:07,280 --> 00:19:10,969 and security . A country cannot pursue 430 00:19:10,969 --> 00:19:14,290 economic growth , cultural enrichment . 431 00:19:17,079 --> 00:19:19,729 Art , architecture , education , 432 00:19:19,969 --> 00:19:21,609 science . If it doesn't have 433 00:19:21,609 --> 00:19:24,290 fundamental security first . And for 434 00:19:24,290 --> 00:19:26,512 too long we've been caught in a vicious 435 00:19:26,512 --> 00:19:29,270 cycle in this hemisphere where 436 00:19:29,890 --> 00:19:32,689 countries from Mexico down to the tip 437 00:19:32,689 --> 00:19:36,609 of South America . Do not provide their 438 00:19:36,609 --> 00:19:39,209 citizens with basic physical security . 439 00:19:39,609 --> 00:19:43,290 So those citizens in search of 440 00:19:43,290 --> 00:19:46,099 economic opportunity , Illegally 441 00:19:46,099 --> 00:19:48,210 immigrate to the United States , they 442 00:19:48,210 --> 00:19:50,043 pay the smugglers , they pay the 443 00:19:50,043 --> 00:19:52,099 cartels , who then grow richer , who 444 00:19:52,099 --> 00:19:54,540 then go more powerful , and then your 445 00:19:54,540 --> 00:19:56,540 country in turn become poor because 446 00:19:56,540 --> 00:19:58,762 you've lost your citizens , you've lost 447 00:19:58,762 --> 00:20:00,873 your human capital , you've lost your 448 00:20:00,873 --> 00:20:03,040 opportunities to develop and to grow . 449 00:20:03,040 --> 00:20:05,040 You get poor , the cartels get more 450 00:20:05,040 --> 00:20:07,099 powerful , nothing changes , nothing 451 00:20:07,099 --> 00:20:10,130 improves . You have to break that cycle . 452 00:20:10,880 --> 00:20:13,719 You have to completely sever it . And 453 00:20:13,719 --> 00:20:15,949 that begins by dismantling these 454 00:20:15,949 --> 00:20:18,680 organizations that deal drugs , deal 455 00:20:18,680 --> 00:20:21,400 violence , assassinate , extort , 456 00:20:21,520 --> 00:20:24,060 blackmail , and also traffic illegally 457 00:20:24,199 --> 00:20:27,079 in human beings . That is a form of 458 00:20:27,079 --> 00:20:30,180 terrorism too . Illegal immigration 459 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:33,319 facilitated by criminal networks is a 460 00:20:33,319 --> 00:20:36,020 form of terrorism . And those who are 461 00:20:36,160 --> 00:20:38,199 stealing your children and stealing 462 00:20:38,199 --> 00:20:40,310 your families and stealing your human 463 00:20:40,310 --> 00:20:42,500 capital . are part of that terrorist 464 00:20:42,500 --> 00:20:44,611 continuum and should be thought of as 465 00:20:44,611 --> 00:20:46,790 such . It is not a victimless crime 466 00:20:46,790 --> 00:20:48,957 when people are paying human smuggling 467 00:20:48,957 --> 00:20:51,179 organizations , because that money then 468 00:20:51,179 --> 00:20:52,957 fuels assassinations , it fuels 469 00:20:52,957 --> 00:20:55,068 violence , it fuels instability , and 470 00:20:55,068 --> 00:20:57,780 it continues this cycle . For decades , 471 00:20:58,770 --> 00:21:00,770 A lot of organizations were sent to 472 00:21:00,770 --> 00:21:02,890 your countries . These are known as 473 00:21:02,890 --> 00:21:04,723 NGOs . I think you know the term 474 00:21:04,723 --> 00:21:07,160 non-governmental organizations , and 475 00:21:07,869 --> 00:21:09,925 They gave you very , very bad advice 476 00:21:09,925 --> 00:21:12,719 for a very , very long time . And 477 00:21:12,829 --> 00:21:15,180 basically they told you , in short , 478 00:21:15,670 --> 00:21:17,589 that you needed to be softer and 479 00:21:17,589 --> 00:21:20,390 gentler and nicer to the criminals and 480 00:21:20,390 --> 00:21:23,270 that you had to demilitarize your 481 00:21:23,270 --> 00:21:25,270 approach and extend more rights and 482 00:21:25,270 --> 00:21:27,326 more opportunities to the people who 483 00:21:27,326 --> 00:21:29,270 are sabotaging and destroying your 484 00:21:29,270 --> 00:21:31,609 society . I would make the point to you , 485 00:21:31,660 --> 00:21:33,660 as others have pointed out before , 486 00:21:34,040 --> 00:21:36,319 including the president of El Salvador , 487 00:21:36,819 --> 00:21:39,060 that the West only achieved the place 488 00:21:39,060 --> 00:21:41,369 that it did in human history because it 489 00:21:41,369 --> 00:21:43,880 spent previous centuries eradicating 490 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:45,713 the criminal elements within its 491 00:21:45,713 --> 00:21:48,060 territories . So the , the West that we 492 00:21:48,060 --> 00:21:50,959 came to know that , that had the great 493 00:21:51,219 --> 00:21:54,040 music and architecture and science , 494 00:21:54,420 --> 00:21:56,650 and the most powerful economy . It has 495 00:21:56,650 --> 00:21:58,594 spent centuries previous to that . 496 00:21:59,969 --> 00:22:03,219 Establishing order first , so that by 497 00:22:03,219 --> 00:22:05,275 the time you get , you know , to say 498 00:22:05,275 --> 00:22:07,275 18th century England , 19th century 499 00:22:07,275 --> 00:22:09,441 England , there have been centuries of 500 00:22:09,441 --> 00:22:11,386 previous history in which ruthless 501 00:22:11,386 --> 00:22:13,275 means were used to get rid of the 502 00:22:13,275 --> 00:22:15,560 people who were raping and murdering 503 00:22:15,699 --> 00:22:17,643 and defying established systems of 504 00:22:17,643 --> 00:22:19,532 order and justice . And then when 505 00:22:19,532 --> 00:22:21,920 people could live freely and peaceably , 506 00:22:22,089 --> 00:22:24,089 and children and families and women 507 00:22:24,089 --> 00:22:26,311 could be safe , then it became possible 508 00:22:26,311 --> 00:22:28,478 to pursue all of these higher elements 509 00:22:28,478 --> 00:22:30,700 of life . So when people who are coming 510 00:22:30,700 --> 00:22:32,811 to countries like yours that have had 511 00:22:32,811 --> 00:22:34,867 struggles and difficulties and pains 512 00:22:34,867 --> 00:22:36,922 and challenges , and they're telling 513 00:22:36,922 --> 00:22:38,811 you anything other than first and 514 00:22:38,811 --> 00:22:40,867 foremost , secure your countries and 515 00:22:40,867 --> 00:22:43,089 your territory . They're giving you not 516 00:22:43,089 --> 00:22:45,256 only terrible advice , but advice . If 517 00:22:45,256 --> 00:22:47,311 someone had come to Europe centuries 518 00:22:47,311 --> 00:22:49,589 ago and they have followed that advice , 519 00:22:49,589 --> 00:22:49,319 Europe would have never became the 520 00:22:49,319 --> 00:22:51,541 Europe that eventually became . And the 521 00:22:51,541 --> 00:22:53,652 reason why many Western countries are 522 00:22:53,652 --> 00:22:55,763 struggling today is they've forgotten 523 00:22:55,763 --> 00:22:57,986 the eternal truth and wisdoms they once 524 00:22:57,986 --> 00:23:00,041 followed . And that's why here under 525 00:23:00,041 --> 00:23:02,041 President Trump in America , we are 526 00:23:02,041 --> 00:23:04,263 returning to those fundamental truths . 527 00:23:04,263 --> 00:23:04,000 We're returning to those fundamental 528 00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:06,170 principles . So I'll just close by 529 00:23:06,170 --> 00:23:08,770 saying that you will have in President 530 00:23:08,770 --> 00:23:11,329 Trump , in the White House , in the 531 00:23:11,329 --> 00:23:13,440 Department of War , the Department of 532 00:23:13,440 --> 00:23:15,773 State , and the whole of our government , 533 00:23:15,773 --> 00:23:17,689 unwavering support , unwavering 534 00:23:17,689 --> 00:23:20,160 commitment and fidelity in achieving 535 00:23:20,160 --> 00:23:23,530 this mission . Which is very simply 536 00:23:23,989 --> 00:23:26,869 to eradicate the criminal cartels and 537 00:23:26,869 --> 00:23:28,925 terrorist organizations , to deprive 538 00:23:28,925 --> 00:23:31,459 them of control of weapons , spaces , 539 00:23:32,260 --> 00:23:35,250 institutions , and territory , and the 540 00:23:35,260 --> 00:23:37,149 human rights that we are going to 541 00:23:37,149 --> 00:23:39,849 protect are not of the savages . That 542 00:23:39,849 --> 00:23:42,071 torture and rape and murder , the human 543 00:23:42,071 --> 00:23:44,293 rights that we are going to protect are 544 00:23:44,293 --> 00:23:46,405 of the peaceable citizens who have an 545 00:23:46,405 --> 00:23:48,182 absolute human right to live in 546 00:23:48,182 --> 00:23:50,349 physical safety and security every day 547 00:23:50,349 --> 00:23:52,516 of their lives . And in that mission , 548 00:23:52,516 --> 00:23:54,627 I promise you we will be your closest 549 00:23:54,627 --> 00:23:55,849 partner . Thank you . 550 00:24:05,130 --> 00:24:07,130 Ladies and gentlemen , it is now my 551 00:24:07,130 --> 00:24:09,074 distinct pleasure to introduce our 552 00:24:09,074 --> 00:24:11,241 Secretary of War , the Honourable Pete 553 00:24:11,241 --> 00:24:12,241 Hegseth . 554 00:24:24,520 --> 00:24:27,859 Well , good morning everybody . Well , 555 00:24:27,939 --> 00:24:30,420 General Donovan and I are are pleased 556 00:24:30,420 --> 00:24:32,579 to welcome all of you to Southern 557 00:24:32,579 --> 00:24:35,060 Command this morning . I'm honored to 558 00:24:35,060 --> 00:24:38,060 be the first Secretary of War to lead a 559 00:24:38,060 --> 00:24:40,060 hemispheric defense conference like 560 00:24:40,060 --> 00:24:43,520 this in more than 30 years . This 561 00:24:43,520 --> 00:24:46,310 conference is about you . 562 00:24:47,680 --> 00:24:50,589 This conference is about us . This 563 00:24:50,589 --> 00:24:53,349 conference is not called the Ame 564 00:24:53,349 --> 00:24:55,790 America Apostrophe S , America's 565 00:24:55,790 --> 00:24:59,000 Counter-cartel Conference . It's the 566 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:01,609 America's Counter-cartel Conference . 567 00:25:01,969 --> 00:25:05,109 This is about what we together can do . 568 00:25:07,229 --> 00:25:09,173 You know , it's been more than 200 569 00:25:09,173 --> 00:25:11,229 years since our nation struggled for 570 00:25:11,229 --> 00:25:14,199 independence from foreign rule . The 571 00:25:14,199 --> 00:25:17,260 War of 1812 was about the United States 572 00:25:17,260 --> 00:25:19,119 defending its independence and 573 00:25:19,119 --> 00:25:22,390 protecting its territory . A 47 year 574 00:25:22,390 --> 00:25:24,589 old Carolinian who was a Major General 575 00:25:24,589 --> 00:25:26,989 in the army , as was mentioned , Andrew 576 00:25:26,989 --> 00:25:29,560 Jackson . Defeated a British army 577 00:25:29,560 --> 00:25:33,060 almost double the size . Addressing his 578 00:25:33,060 --> 00:25:35,171 troops after victory at the Battle of 579 00:25:35,171 --> 00:25:37,004 New Orleans , Jackson declared , 580 00:25:37,004 --> 00:25:38,949 natives of different states acting 581 00:25:38,949 --> 00:25:41,171 together for the first time have reaped 582 00:25:41,171 --> 00:25:44,739 the fruits of an honorable union . His 583 00:25:44,739 --> 00:25:48,550 success galvanized a young country . In 584 00:25:48,550 --> 00:25:51,060 1816 , our country elected a 585 00:25:51,060 --> 00:25:53,449 revolutionary War hero as president . 586 00:25:54,280 --> 00:25:56,739 James Monroe fought in the Continental 587 00:25:56,739 --> 00:25:59,390 Army . Leading a charge against German 588 00:25:59,390 --> 00:26:01,557 mercenaries fighting for the British , 589 00:26:02,069 --> 00:26:04,270 the enemy fired a musket ball at him . 590 00:26:04,869 --> 00:26:06,869 It severed his artery and he almost 591 00:26:06,869 --> 00:26:09,939 died . But the young captain rallied 592 00:26:10,300 --> 00:26:12,411 and grew to be governor of Virginia , 593 00:26:12,630 --> 00:26:15,339 secretary of war , and one of our 594 00:26:15,339 --> 00:26:18,569 greatest presidents . In 1823 , 595 00:26:18,719 --> 00:26:20,830 President Monroe said that the United 596 00:26:20,830 --> 00:26:22,941 States owed the success of that young 597 00:26:22,941 --> 00:26:25,050 country to the candor and amicable 598 00:26:25,050 --> 00:26:28,349 relations with other powers to affirm 599 00:26:28,349 --> 00:26:31,989 our national policy . President Monroe 600 00:26:31,989 --> 00:26:33,878 declared , we should consider any 601 00:26:33,878 --> 00:26:37,750 attempt on maligned countries to extend 602 00:26:37,750 --> 00:26:39,750 their system to any portion of this 603 00:26:39,750 --> 00:26:42,089 hemisphere as dangerous to our peace 604 00:26:42,089 --> 00:26:45,910 and safety . It was the Monroe Doctrine . 605 00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:50,520 Of 1823 and today , some 200 years 606 00:26:50,520 --> 00:26:52,631 later , we still marvel at the wisdom 607 00:26:52,631 --> 00:26:55,969 of President Monroe's declaration . We 608 00:26:56,290 --> 00:26:58,890 like you want borders and sovereign 609 00:26:58,890 --> 00:27:01,329 territories that are secure . We want 610 00:27:01,329 --> 00:27:03,810 unfettered access to key terrain and 611 00:27:03,810 --> 00:27:05,920 trade so that our nations can 612 00:27:05,920 --> 00:27:09,140 industrialize . And we want to prevent 613 00:27:09,140 --> 00:27:11,380 external powers from threatening our 614 00:27:11,380 --> 00:27:13,436 peace and independence in our shared 615 00:27:13,436 --> 00:27:15,547 neighborhood . This is the essence of 616 00:27:15,547 --> 00:27:18,540 the Monroe Doctrine . No external power 617 00:27:18,540 --> 00:27:20,900 will interfere in this hemisphere . 618 00:27:21,890 --> 00:27:24,150 Ours should be a region of strong 619 00:27:24,569 --> 00:27:26,969 sovereign nations . It's the same 620 00:27:26,969 --> 00:27:28,858 principle that animates President 621 00:27:28,858 --> 00:27:30,691 Trump's defense approach today . 622 00:27:30,969 --> 00:27:33,080 President Trump and his Department of 623 00:27:33,080 --> 00:27:35,729 War are ushering in a new era of 624 00:27:35,729 --> 00:27:37,673 homeland and hemispheric defense , 625 00:27:37,673 --> 00:27:40,130 rooted in the unique heritage of our 626 00:27:40,130 --> 00:27:43,010 nation and your nations . Under 627 00:27:43,010 --> 00:27:45,010 President Trump , we restored the 628 00:27:45,010 --> 00:27:47,489 Department of War . You see , the 629 00:27:47,489 --> 00:27:49,545 Department of War was established by 630 00:27:49,545 --> 00:27:51,711 General George Washington . And served 631 00:27:51,711 --> 00:27:53,767 our nation from its founding through 632 00:27:53,767 --> 00:27:56,100 our hard-fought victory in World War II . 633 00:27:56,100 --> 00:27:58,800 Many of your countries also once had 634 00:27:59,219 --> 00:28:02,880 ministries of war . Under 635 00:28:02,880 --> 00:28:04,824 President Trump , our nation has a 636 00:28:04,824 --> 00:28:06,769 newfound resolve that our founders 637 00:28:06,769 --> 00:28:09,140 would recognize , as Steven alluded to 638 00:28:09,140 --> 00:28:11,418 and spoke to . They would recognize it . 639 00:28:11,650 --> 00:28:14,449 And they would appreciate it . We are 640 00:28:14,449 --> 00:28:16,171 at long last putting America , 641 00:28:17,010 --> 00:28:19,349 Americans , and the Americas first , 642 00:28:19,689 --> 00:28:21,689 ensuring peace through strength and 643 00:28:21,689 --> 00:28:24,829 restoring common sense . At our 644 00:28:24,829 --> 00:28:26,551 department , we're doing it by 645 00:28:26,551 --> 00:28:28,218 restoring the warrior ethos , 646 00:28:28,218 --> 00:28:30,219 rebuilding our military to historic 647 00:28:30,219 --> 00:28:32,619 levels , and re-establishing deterrence 648 00:28:32,619 --> 00:28:35,079 in this hemisphere and around the world . 649 00:28:36,510 --> 00:28:38,566 For too long , leaders in Washington 650 00:28:38,566 --> 00:28:40,510 and their foreign policy , foreign 651 00:28:40,510 --> 00:28:42,680 policy functionaries abandoned the 652 00:28:42,680 --> 00:28:45,239 simple wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine . 653 00:28:46,319 --> 00:28:48,263 They were consumed with the United 654 00:28:48,263 --> 00:28:51,000 States only going abroad . They ignored 655 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,111 the warnings of President John Quincy 656 00:28:53,111 --> 00:28:55,111 Adams , who said that if our nation 657 00:28:55,111 --> 00:28:56,889 went overseas only in search of 658 00:28:56,889 --> 00:28:58,889 monsters to destroy , that we would 659 00:28:58,889 --> 00:29:01,459 cease to be the ruler of our own spirit 660 00:29:01,640 --> 00:29:04,890 and our own backyard . Under previous 661 00:29:04,890 --> 00:29:07,001 leaders , we grew obsessed with every 662 00:29:07,001 --> 00:29:10,089 other theater and every other border in 663 00:29:10,089 --> 00:29:14,030 the world except our own . These elites 664 00:29:14,030 --> 00:29:16,197 reduced our power and presence in this 665 00:29:16,197 --> 00:29:18,329 hemisphere , opting for a benign 666 00:29:18,329 --> 00:29:21,469 neglect that was anything but benign . 667 00:29:22,819 --> 00:29:24,900 In your countries , many leaders 668 00:29:24,900 --> 00:29:27,122 accepted the status quo to coexist with 669 00:29:27,122 --> 00:29:29,289 narco-terrorism or for law enforcement 670 00:29:29,289 --> 00:29:31,839 er for a law enforcement alone approach 671 00:29:32,260 --> 00:29:34,204 that failed to deter and dismantle 672 00:29:34,204 --> 00:29:36,371 threats , same happened in our country 673 00:29:36,371 --> 00:29:38,593 under the previous administration . And 674 00:29:38,593 --> 00:29:40,704 the result of this collective neglect 675 00:29:40,704 --> 00:29:43,829 was fatal . More than 1 million 676 00:29:43,829 --> 00:29:45,829 Americans were killed by fentanyl , 677 00:29:46,010 --> 00:29:49,689 cocaine , and other drugs . Numbers 678 00:29:49,689 --> 00:29:51,578 greater than any casualties we've 679 00:29:51,578 --> 00:29:55,130 sustained in war . Millions of 680 00:29:55,130 --> 00:29:57,297 illegal aliens invaded our borders and 681 00:29:57,297 --> 00:29:59,160 destabilized nations across the 682 00:29:59,160 --> 00:30:01,680 hemisphere . Under Joe Biden's 683 00:30:01,680 --> 00:30:04,140 administration . The human smuggling 684 00:30:04,140 --> 00:30:06,209 industry exploded by more than 685 00:30:06,209 --> 00:30:09,550 2,000% . From a 686 00:30:09,550 --> 00:30:12,619 $500 million so-called industry in 687 00:30:12,619 --> 00:30:16,030 2018 to $13 billion . 688 00:30:16,949 --> 00:30:20,550 By 2022 . Cartels of 689 00:30:20,550 --> 00:30:22,494 terrorists across our hemisphere , 690 00:30:22,494 --> 00:30:24,550 enabled by adversaries , created and 691 00:30:24,550 --> 00:30:27,349 profited from chaos . What creates 692 00:30:27,349 --> 00:30:30,619 chaos ? No leadership creates chaos . 693 00:30:31,709 --> 00:30:33,876 In our nation , narco-terrorist groups 694 00:30:33,876 --> 00:30:35,989 like Trende Arragua prospered . They 695 00:30:35,989 --> 00:30:38,100 raped , they poisoned , they murdered 696 00:30:38,100 --> 00:30:40,156 innocent Americans . They terrorized 697 00:30:40,156 --> 00:30:41,989 our cities , our towns , and our 698 00:30:41,989 --> 00:30:43,933 neighborhoods like they do yours . 699 00:30:43,933 --> 00:30:45,989 Across this region , these gangsters 700 00:30:45,989 --> 00:30:48,100 control and terrorize large swaths of 701 00:30:48,100 --> 00:30:50,156 your territories , kill thousands of 702 00:30:50,156 --> 00:30:52,469 your people , and promote chaos that 703 00:30:52,469 --> 00:30:56,140 makes normal life , sometimes almost 704 00:30:56,150 --> 00:30:59,790 impossible . Crimes spiked 705 00:30:59,790 --> 00:31:03,540 massively . This our hemisphere has 706 00:31:03,540 --> 00:31:05,819 1/8 of the population and yet 1/3 of 707 00:31:05,819 --> 00:31:07,875 the violent crime , there's a reason 708 00:31:07,875 --> 00:31:10,420 for that . America's retreat from 709 00:31:10,420 --> 00:31:12,198 protecting its citizens and the 710 00:31:12,198 --> 00:31:14,309 complacency of many neighbors in this 711 00:31:14,309 --> 00:31:16,880 hemisphere was a great betrayal . 712 00:31:17,339 --> 00:31:19,450 That's what it was , a great betrayal 713 00:31:19,859 --> 00:31:22,439 against our people and our nations . 714 00:31:23,680 --> 00:31:26,229 Well , President Trump recognizes the 715 00:31:26,229 --> 00:31:29,199 wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine , and the 716 00:31:29,199 --> 00:31:32,359 days of us betraying and endangering 717 00:31:32,359 --> 00:31:34,979 our own citizens are finished . 718 00:31:36,040 --> 00:31:38,479 President Trump has re-established the 719 00:31:38,479 --> 00:31:41,020 Monroe Doctrine , the Trump corollary 720 00:31:41,439 --> 00:31:43,495 of the Monroe Doctrine , or if you'd 721 00:31:43,495 --> 00:31:45,717 like , for short , you can just call it 722 00:31:45,717 --> 00:31:49,369 the Dunroe Doctrine . Under President 723 00:31:49,369 --> 00:31:51,591 Trump , securing America's interests in 724 00:31:51,591 --> 00:31:53,758 the Western Hemisphere and keeping our 725 00:31:53,758 --> 00:31:56,489 homeland safe are our top national 726 00:31:56,489 --> 00:31:59,819 security priorities . The president's 727 00:31:59,819 --> 00:32:01,770 historic national defense strategy 728 00:32:01,770 --> 00:32:03,992 ensures that the Department of War will 729 00:32:03,992 --> 00:32:06,670 prioritize resources around the threats 730 00:32:06,849 --> 00:32:09,410 and objectives that are core to 731 00:32:09,410 --> 00:32:12,079 homeland defense and the people and 732 00:32:12,079 --> 00:32:14,760 prosperity of the American people . And 733 00:32:14,760 --> 00:32:16,760 to start , the Department of War is 734 00:32:16,760 --> 00:32:19,040 once again defending our borders as a 735 00:32:19,040 --> 00:32:21,640 priority of our national defense . With 736 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:23,751 our law enforcement partners , we are 737 00:32:23,751 --> 00:32:25,807 defending our borders and making our 738 00:32:25,807 --> 00:32:27,918 streets safe again . Crossings at our 739 00:32:27,918 --> 00:32:29,862 southern border , at the US-Mexico 740 00:32:29,862 --> 00:32:31,862 border , have dropped to the lowest 741 00:32:32,079 --> 00:32:35,949 number in history . Murders nationwide 742 00:32:35,949 --> 00:32:39,040 have plummeted by more than 20% . We 743 00:32:39,040 --> 00:32:41,319 now have operational control of our 744 00:32:41,319 --> 00:32:43,239 southern borders . 0 people are 745 00:32:43,239 --> 00:32:46,199 crossing our southern border . We will 746 00:32:46,199 --> 00:32:48,380 not rest until we have complete 747 00:32:48,380 --> 00:32:50,436 operational control of every inch of 748 00:32:50,436 --> 00:32:53,040 all of our borders . So it starts with 749 00:32:53,040 --> 00:32:55,439 us , we're addressing it , but we're 750 00:32:55,439 --> 00:32:57,599 not stopping there . Under President 751 00:32:57,599 --> 00:32:59,821 Trump , for the first time in history , 752 00:32:59,821 --> 00:33:02,043 the Department of War is on the offense 753 00:33:02,043 --> 00:33:04,210 against narco-terrorists as well . I , 754 00:33:04,210 --> 00:33:06,488 I , I , I should back up a step though . 755 00:33:06,488 --> 00:33:08,321 In order to get 100% operational 756 00:33:08,321 --> 00:33:10,488 control of our border , we didn't just 757 00:33:10,488 --> 00:33:12,543 look at border patrol and say that's 758 00:33:12,543 --> 00:33:14,432 your job , it's a law enforcement 759 00:33:14,432 --> 00:33:16,321 function . We deployed the United 760 00:33:16,321 --> 00:33:18,099 States military . Right now the 761 00:33:18,099 --> 00:33:20,266 division command of the 101st Airborne 762 00:33:20,266 --> 00:33:22,099 is in operational control of the 763 00:33:22,099 --> 00:33:24,210 southern border . We ensured that the 764 00:33:24,210 --> 00:33:26,099 most capable assets we had in our 765 00:33:26,099 --> 00:33:28,321 country were deployed to our own border 766 00:33:28,321 --> 00:33:30,543 to defend that border against the narco 767 00:33:30,543 --> 00:33:32,710 terrorists and drug dealers seeking to 768 00:33:32,710 --> 00:33:34,710 enter our country , not treating it 769 00:33:34,710 --> 00:33:36,877 simply as a law enforcement function , 770 00:33:36,877 --> 00:33:38,655 working with our partners , but 771 00:33:38,655 --> 00:33:40,488 recognizing it's a core military 772 00:33:40,488 --> 00:33:42,543 function . But going on offense with 773 00:33:42,543 --> 00:33:44,655 Operation Southern Spear has restored 774 00:33:44,655 --> 00:33:46,821 deterrence against the narco terrorist 775 00:33:46,821 --> 00:33:48,877 cartels that profited from poisoning 776 00:33:48,877 --> 00:33:50,932 Americans . Last month we went a few 777 00:33:50,932 --> 00:33:53,155 weeks without targeting a single boat . 778 00:33:54,109 --> 00:33:56,420 Why ? Well , because we couldn't find a 779 00:33:56,420 --> 00:33:59,380 whole lot of boats to sink . And that's 780 00:33:59,380 --> 00:34:02,260 the whole point . is to establish 781 00:34:02,260 --> 00:34:04,780 deterrence from narco terrorists who 782 00:34:04,780 --> 00:34:06,819 have been able to traffic almost 783 00:34:06,819 --> 00:34:09,699 unfettered . And if the consequence was 784 00:34:09,699 --> 00:34:12,032 simply to be arrested and then released , 785 00:34:12,032 --> 00:34:13,977 well , that's a consequence they'd 786 00:34:13,977 --> 00:34:16,088 already priced in a long time ago . A 787 00:34:16,088 --> 00:34:18,255 new dynamic had to be put in motion in 788 00:34:18,255 --> 00:34:20,143 order for their decision cycle to 789 00:34:20,143 --> 00:34:22,032 change . And when adversaries are 790 00:34:22,032 --> 00:34:23,921 forced to move out of comfortable 791 00:34:23,921 --> 00:34:26,032 positions , as you know , as military 792 00:34:26,032 --> 00:34:28,255 men and women , they're more vulnerable 793 00:34:28,255 --> 00:34:28,148 when they're moving in a different 794 00:34:28,329 --> 00:34:30,529 direction , which is also the point . 795 00:34:31,628 --> 00:34:33,739 Drug overdoses that kill our citizens 796 00:34:33,739 --> 00:34:35,795 have dropped . Flows of fentanyl , a 797 00:34:35,795 --> 00:34:37,906 weapon of mass destruction , are down 798 00:34:37,906 --> 00:34:40,128 56% . We will continue to destroy these 799 00:34:40,128 --> 00:34:43,219 threats . In January , US forces raided 800 00:34:43,219 --> 00:34:45,850 and arrested the most dangerous house 801 00:34:45,850 --> 00:34:47,961 in the most dangerous compound inside 802 00:34:47,961 --> 00:34:50,128 the most fortified fort in the capital 803 00:34:50,128 --> 00:34:52,340 city of Caracas . Of two indicted 804 00:34:52,340 --> 00:34:54,396 individuals , Nicolas Maduro and his 805 00:34:54,396 --> 00:34:56,889 wife , fugitives of the US Of US law . 806 00:34:57,709 --> 00:34:59,820 Operation Absolute Resolve showed the 807 00:34:59,820 --> 00:35:02,330 bravery of America's best , our war 808 00:35:02,330 --> 00:35:04,219 fighters . Nobody can do what the 809 00:35:04,219 --> 00:35:06,386 United States of America can do . It's 810 00:35:06,386 --> 00:35:08,441 not even close . President Trump has 811 00:35:08,441 --> 00:35:10,608 shown what is possible when you reject 812 00:35:10,608 --> 00:35:12,830 the status quo delusion that threats to 813 00:35:12,830 --> 00:35:14,830 our homeland and our hemisphere are 814 00:35:14,830 --> 00:35:18,310 somehow secondary . America is prepared 815 00:35:18,310 --> 00:35:20,510 to take on these threats and go on the 816 00:35:20,510 --> 00:35:23,129 offense alone if necessary . 817 00:35:24,280 --> 00:35:27,729 However , It is our preference , and it 818 00:35:27,729 --> 00:35:30,209 is the goal of this conference , that 819 00:35:30,209 --> 00:35:32,376 in the interest of this neighborhood , 820 00:35:32,376 --> 00:35:34,487 we all do it together with you , with 821 00:35:34,487 --> 00:35:36,598 our neighbors and with our allies who 822 00:35:36,598 --> 00:35:38,765 are eager and willing and capable . To 823 00:35:38,765 --> 00:35:40,820 do this , to work together , we must 824 00:35:40,820 --> 00:35:42,820 first acknowledge what was lost and 825 00:35:42,820 --> 00:35:44,653 then understand what needs to be 826 00:35:44,653 --> 00:35:47,290 restored . All the nations represented 827 00:35:47,290 --> 00:35:49,620 in this room are offsprings of Western 828 00:35:49,620 --> 00:35:52,590 civilization . Our nations are and 829 00:35:52,590 --> 00:35:54,969 always will be united by our heritage , 830 00:35:55,550 --> 00:35:58,629 our history , and geography in this new 831 00:35:58,629 --> 00:36:01,709 world . We share the same interests . 832 00:36:02,550 --> 00:36:04,272 And because of this we face an 833 00:36:04,272 --> 00:36:06,870 essential test . Whether our nations 834 00:36:06,870 --> 00:36:10,050 will be and remain western nations , 835 00:36:10,590 --> 00:36:12,969 with distinct characteristics . 836 00:36:13,659 --> 00:36:16,790 Christian nations under God . 837 00:36:18,159 --> 00:36:20,159 Proud of our shared heritage , with 838 00:36:20,159 --> 00:36:22,326 strong borders and prosperous people , 839 00:36:22,326 --> 00:36:24,489 ruled not by violence and chaos , but 840 00:36:24,489 --> 00:36:27,750 by law , order , and common sense . 841 00:36:28,820 --> 00:36:30,764 Or whether we are permanently torn 842 00:36:30,764 --> 00:36:32,987 apart by something else , led astray by 843 00:36:32,987 --> 00:36:34,820 competing forces . Radical narco 844 00:36:34,820 --> 00:36:37,250 communism and anarcho tyranny , which 845 00:36:37,250 --> 00:36:39,139 threaten our people , borders and 846 00:36:39,139 --> 00:36:41,306 sovereign lands in the name of a false 847 00:36:41,306 --> 00:36:43,909 sovereignty , or a false peace . 848 00:36:45,100 --> 00:36:47,100 Uncontrolled mass migration , which 849 00:36:47,100 --> 00:36:49,149 overwhelms domestic resources , 850 00:36:49,179 --> 00:36:52,459 intended for deserving citizens , and 851 00:36:52,459 --> 00:36:55,020 drives unchecked crime and unchecked 852 00:36:55,020 --> 00:36:58,300 violence . Or the belief in so-called 853 00:36:58,300 --> 00:37:00,979 globalism that seeks to erase our 854 00:37:00,979 --> 00:37:02,979 distinct national identities in the 855 00:37:02,979 --> 00:37:05,459 name of tolerance . Erase our borders 856 00:37:05,459 --> 00:37:08,719 in the name of compassion . And erase 857 00:37:08,719 --> 00:37:10,886 our warrior ethos and that which makes 858 00:37:10,886 --> 00:37:12,830 us strong in the name of so-called 859 00:37:12,830 --> 00:37:14,941 diversity and political correctness . 860 00:37:15,199 --> 00:37:17,366 One of the dumbest phrases in military 861 00:37:17,366 --> 00:37:19,532 history , which used to be echoed from 862 00:37:19,532 --> 00:37:21,588 the former Defense Department in the 863 00:37:21,588 --> 00:37:23,643 previous administration . They would 864 00:37:23,643 --> 00:37:25,755 say it over and over and over again , 865 00:37:25,860 --> 00:37:27,860 was our diversity is our strength . 866 00:37:28,590 --> 00:37:30,479 It's the single dumbest phrase in 867 00:37:30,479 --> 00:37:33,239 military history . Because what is our , 868 00:37:33,250 --> 00:37:35,879 our strength is our unity . Our 869 00:37:35,879 --> 00:37:38,580 strength is in our shared purpose . In 870 00:37:38,580 --> 00:37:40,469 the training we do together , the 871 00:37:40,469 --> 00:37:42,524 capabilities we have to do , we , we 872 00:37:42,524 --> 00:37:44,691 can do together . In our context , the 873 00:37:44,691 --> 00:37:46,913 Constitution we swear an oath to defend 874 00:37:46,913 --> 00:37:49,247 together , the uniform we wear together . 875 00:37:49,247 --> 00:37:52,739 That is our strength . We reject 876 00:37:53,159 --> 00:37:55,899 other notions and offer a new choice . 877 00:37:56,439 --> 00:37:58,495 We must defend our national interest 878 00:37:58,495 --> 00:38:00,606 and restore our national identities . 879 00:38:00,790 --> 00:38:02,901 Otherwise , the outcome is the same , 880 00:38:02,901 --> 00:38:04,957 our hemisphere will be poorer , more 881 00:38:04,957 --> 00:38:08,510 dangerous , and weaker . And this 882 00:38:08,510 --> 00:38:10,621 matters not because we seek to preach 883 00:38:10,621 --> 00:38:12,954 to you about culture wars or ideologies , 884 00:38:13,229 --> 00:38:14,951 or to tell you how to run your 885 00:38:14,951 --> 00:38:17,118 countries . We're not here to tell you 886 00:38:17,118 --> 00:38:19,229 how to run your countries . Instead , 887 00:38:19,229 --> 00:38:21,396 it matters , matters how we assess the 888 00:38:21,396 --> 00:38:23,396 threats facing us . And the choices 889 00:38:23,396 --> 00:38:25,562 that we make on how to overcome them , 890 00:38:25,562 --> 00:38:27,729 that is what will define our destiny . 891 00:38:27,939 --> 00:38:29,772 President Trump understands that 892 00:38:29,772 --> 00:38:31,939 today's threats to border security and 893 00:38:31,939 --> 00:38:34,379 key terrain in our hemisphere are 894 00:38:34,379 --> 00:38:37,300 existential questions for our nation 895 00:38:37,580 --> 00:38:40,520 and for all of yours . When adversaries 896 00:38:40,520 --> 00:38:42,742 conduct incursions in this hemisphere , 897 00:38:42,870 --> 00:38:45,750 off the coast of a US state , Alaska , 898 00:38:45,919 --> 00:38:48,030 or off the coast of Greenland , or in 899 00:38:48,030 --> 00:38:50,197 the Gulf of America or the Caribbean , 900 00:38:50,197 --> 00:38:52,308 that is a direct threat to the United 901 00:38:52,308 --> 00:38:54,363 States homeland and to peace in this 902 00:38:54,363 --> 00:38:56,800 hemisphere . When adversaries control 903 00:38:56,800 --> 00:38:59,840 ports or infrastructure along strategic 904 00:38:59,840 --> 00:39:02,479 choke points for US and hemispheric 905 00:39:02,479 --> 00:39:04,590 trade , such as the Panama Canal , or 906 00:39:04,590 --> 00:39:06,757 install military facilities just miles 907 00:39:06,757 --> 00:39:09,040 off our shore , that is a threat to the 908 00:39:09,040 --> 00:39:11,239 United States homeland , and peace to 909 00:39:11,239 --> 00:39:13,949 this hemisphere . When terrorist 910 00:39:13,949 --> 00:39:16,159 killers and cartels capture strategic 911 00:39:16,159 --> 00:39:18,889 infrastructure , resources and entire 912 00:39:18,889 --> 00:39:21,649 towns or cities close to US borders and 913 00:39:21,649 --> 00:39:25,209 US shores , or profit from mass illegal 914 00:39:25,209 --> 00:39:28,610 migration . That is a threat to the 915 00:39:28,610 --> 00:39:30,777 United States homeland and a threat to 916 00:39:30,777 --> 00:39:33,929 all of you as well , to the Americas . 917 00:39:35,199 --> 00:39:37,449 The same adversaries that threaten our 918 00:39:37,449 --> 00:39:40,050 shared heritage threaten our shared 919 00:39:40,050 --> 00:39:42,919 geography as well . They seek to 920 00:39:42,919 --> 00:39:45,239 displace the historic North-South 921 00:39:45,239 --> 00:39:47,350 relationship that we've always shared 922 00:39:47,600 --> 00:39:49,767 with some sort of a new global South . 923 00:39:50,520 --> 00:39:52,560 That excludes the United States and 924 00:39:52,560 --> 00:39:54,879 other Western nations , but includes 925 00:39:54,879 --> 00:39:57,479 non-Western powers and other 926 00:39:57,479 --> 00:40:01,030 adversaries . The answer to our 927 00:40:01,030 --> 00:40:02,752 challenge is not to ignore our 928 00:40:02,752 --> 00:40:04,870 geography in the name of global 929 00:40:04,870 --> 00:40:07,550 interests . But to embrace our shared 930 00:40:07,550 --> 00:40:10,199 geography in the name of national 931 00:40:10,699 --> 00:40:13,500 interests . That is why President Trump 932 00:40:13,500 --> 00:40:16,139 has drawn a new strategic map , from 933 00:40:16,139 --> 00:40:18,250 Greenland to the Gulf of America , to 934 00:40:18,250 --> 00:40:20,417 the Panama Canal , and its surrounding 935 00:40:20,417 --> 00:40:22,583 countries . At the Department of War , 936 00:40:22,583 --> 00:40:24,750 we call this strategic map the Greater 937 00:40:24,750 --> 00:40:27,969 North America . Why ? Because every 938 00:40:27,969 --> 00:40:30,250 sovereign nation and territory north of 939 00:40:30,250 --> 00:40:32,489 the equator , from Greenland to Ecuador 940 00:40:32,489 --> 00:40:35,169 and from Alaska to Guyana , is not part 941 00:40:35,169 --> 00:40:39,169 of the global South . It is 942 00:40:39,169 --> 00:40:41,219 our immediate security perimeter in 943 00:40:41,219 --> 00:40:43,219 this great neighborhood that we all 944 00:40:43,219 --> 00:40:45,929 live in . Each one of these countries 945 00:40:45,929 --> 00:40:48,151 border either the North Atlantic or the 946 00:40:48,151 --> 00:40:50,040 North Pacific . Each one of these 947 00:40:50,040 --> 00:40:52,209 countries sits north of the two basic 948 00:40:52,209 --> 00:40:54,530 geographic barriers that exist in this 949 00:40:54,530 --> 00:40:57,610 region . The Amazon and the Andes 950 00:40:57,610 --> 00:41:01,149 Mountains . This is basic geography 951 00:41:01,629 --> 00:41:03,796 that we don't teach in schools as much 952 00:41:03,796 --> 00:41:05,740 as we should . And it restores our 953 00:41:05,740 --> 00:41:08,090 North-South relations , and we must get 954 00:41:08,090 --> 00:41:10,469 it right . In the North , the United 955 00:41:10,469 --> 00:41:12,247 States must enhance posture and 956 00:41:12,247 --> 00:41:14,510 presence in cooperation with you and 957 00:41:14,510 --> 00:41:16,566 our sovereign partners to defend our 958 00:41:16,566 --> 00:41:18,677 shared immediate security perimeter . 959 00:41:18,677 --> 00:41:20,677 In the south , meaning south of the 960 00:41:20,677 --> 00:41:23,060 equator , the other side of this great 961 00:41:23,060 --> 00:41:24,949 neighborhood , we will strengthen 962 00:41:24,949 --> 00:41:27,060 partnerships through increased burden 963 00:41:27,060 --> 00:41:29,227 sharing . This will enable you to take 964 00:41:29,227 --> 00:41:31,171 a greater role to defend the South 965 00:41:31,171 --> 00:41:33,393 Atlantic and the South Pacific . And to 966 00:41:33,393 --> 00:41:35,338 secure critical infrastructure and 967 00:41:35,338 --> 00:41:38,250 resources in partnership with us and 968 00:41:38,250 --> 00:41:41,899 other Western nations . This is what we 969 00:41:41,899 --> 00:41:44,580 did in World War II . Just like we sunk 970 00:41:44,580 --> 00:41:46,691 ships with torpedoes in World War 2 . 971 00:41:47,500 --> 00:41:49,820 At the Department of War , we called it 972 00:41:49,820 --> 00:41:53,489 the quarter sphere defense . And we 973 00:41:53,489 --> 00:41:56,379 will do this again . If we're serious 974 00:41:56,379 --> 00:41:58,601 about our national security , and if we 975 00:41:58,601 --> 00:42:01,649 prioritize geography , business as 976 00:42:01,649 --> 00:42:04,540 usual will not stand . This means that 977 00:42:04,540 --> 00:42:06,707 for every country in this hemisphere , 978 00:42:06,707 --> 00:42:08,600 border security must be your top 979 00:42:08,600 --> 00:42:12,209 priority . Border security is 980 00:42:12,580 --> 00:42:14,580 national security . President Trump 981 00:42:14,580 --> 00:42:16,747 said it when he first started to run . 982 00:42:16,747 --> 00:42:18,913 You're not a country if you don't have 983 00:42:18,913 --> 00:42:21,229 borders , and he's right . President 984 00:42:21,229 --> 00:42:23,285 Trump sealed our border by directing 985 00:42:23,285 --> 00:42:25,451 the military to mobilize resources and 986 00:42:25,451 --> 00:42:27,562 personnel to stop invasion by cartels 987 00:42:27,562 --> 00:42:29,770 and other criminal actors . You can do 988 00:42:29,770 --> 00:42:31,929 this as well , and many of you have . 989 00:42:33,409 --> 00:42:35,465 This also means that you too can and 990 00:42:35,465 --> 00:42:37,830 must go on the offense against 991 00:42:37,830 --> 00:42:41,409 narco-terrorists . We've had great 992 00:42:41,409 --> 00:42:43,465 collaboration with many countries in 993 00:42:43,465 --> 00:42:45,465 recent months , and I want to thank 994 00:42:45,465 --> 00:42:47,465 every country in this room that has 995 00:42:47,465 --> 00:42:49,520 supported our access to find , fix , 996 00:42:49,520 --> 00:42:51,649 and finish cartel targets . We have 997 00:42:51,649 --> 00:42:55,610 only just begun to work with you . More 998 00:42:55,610 --> 00:42:58,409 must be done by you and by us to target 999 00:42:58,409 --> 00:43:00,850 nar narco-terrorist groups across all 1000 00:43:00,850 --> 00:43:03,919 domains . We will dismantle 1001 00:43:03,919 --> 00:43:05,752 narco-terrorist networks in this 1002 00:43:05,752 --> 00:43:08,320 hemisphere , and we will deny access to 1003 00:43:08,320 --> 00:43:10,739 the state adversaries who support them . 1004 00:43:11,709 --> 00:43:13,949 We will correct the mistakes of the 1005 00:43:13,949 --> 00:43:16,530 past , the mistakes of the so-called 1006 00:43:16,530 --> 00:43:19,699 global South . I want to thank General 1007 00:43:19,699 --> 00:43:22,050 Donovan , who has been an excellent 1008 00:43:22,050 --> 00:43:24,217 partner and a great new leader here at 1009 00:43:24,217 --> 00:43:26,217 Southern Command . One of the great 1010 00:43:26,217 --> 00:43:28,106 mistakes of the past was that our 1011 00:43:28,106 --> 00:43:30,272 leaders didn't provide the US Southern 1012 00:43:30,272 --> 00:43:32,606 Command with the support that it needed . 1013 00:43:32,606 --> 00:43:34,772 It was a command chock full of lawyers 1014 00:43:34,772 --> 00:43:37,879 and social workers and NGOs , law 1015 00:43:37,879 --> 00:43:41,350 enforcement . That's changing . General , 1016 00:43:41,399 --> 00:43:43,566 I'm directing my team to correct these 1017 00:43:43,566 --> 00:43:45,788 historic failures , to ensure that your 1018 00:43:45,788 --> 00:43:48,280 command has the resources and staff 1019 00:43:48,280 --> 00:43:50,760 that you need for this robust mission 1020 00:43:50,760 --> 00:43:53,689 ahead . It's the least we can do . I 1021 00:43:53,689 --> 00:43:55,522 wanna , absolutely , thank you . 1022 00:44:01,610 --> 00:44:03,777 It's about time . But it's not just us 1023 00:44:03,777 --> 00:44:05,999 at the Department of War , and it's not 1024 00:44:05,999 --> 00:44:07,943 just Southern Command . Uh this is 1025 00:44:07,943 --> 00:44:10,110 across the Trump administration . This 1026 00:44:10,110 --> 00:44:12,443 is across the Department of War as well . 1027 00:44:12,443 --> 00:44:14,443 Stephen Miller , thank you for your 1028 00:44:14,443 --> 00:44:13,649 support and your leadership , your 1029 00:44:13,649 --> 00:44:15,889 clarity , understanding why this 1030 00:44:15,889 --> 00:44:18,409 matters to each American citizen , and 1031 00:44:18,409 --> 00:44:20,465 why the War Department is central to 1032 00:44:20,465 --> 00:44:22,576 ensuring that it happens . It doesn't 1033 00:44:22,576 --> 00:44:24,798 happen without President Trump , and it 1034 00:44:24,798 --> 00:44:27,020 doesn't happen without your clarity and 1035 00:44:27,020 --> 00:44:26,679 your leadership . I want to thank 1036 00:44:26,679 --> 00:44:28,568 General Nordhaus as well for your 1037 00:44:28,568 --> 00:44:30,790 support , uh , at every level , there's 1038 00:44:30,790 --> 00:44:32,512 so many to thank . I see Corey 1039 00:44:32,512 --> 00:44:34,735 Lewandowski here from the Department of 1040 00:44:34,735 --> 00:44:36,568 Homeland Security doesn't happen 1041 00:44:36,568 --> 00:44:36,000 without the Department of Homeland 1042 00:44:36,000 --> 00:44:39,360 Security . Of course , Joseph Huayer , 1043 00:44:40,139 --> 00:44:42,083 the other part of the new bromance 1044 00:44:42,083 --> 00:44:45,169 between him and General Donovan . Uh , 1045 00:44:45,179 --> 00:44:48,179 Eric Garriy , uh , who's , who from day 1046 00:44:48,179 --> 00:44:50,139 one in my office , he was my first 1047 00:44:50,139 --> 00:44:52,028 sergeant in Iraq , he's one of my 1048 00:44:52,028 --> 00:44:54,139 senior advisors . Day one , he worked 1049 00:44:54,139 --> 00:44:56,195 at SouthCO for a long time , said we 1050 00:44:56,195 --> 00:44:58,528 need to be focused on the cartel threat , 1051 00:44:58,528 --> 00:45:00,639 and he built a team to help put us in 1052 00:45:00,639 --> 00:45:02,417 that direction , a lot of which 1053 00:45:02,417 --> 00:45:04,639 manifest to this day . Patrick Weaver , 1054 00:45:04,669 --> 00:45:06,780 Phil Hegseth , who I happen to know , 1055 00:45:06,899 --> 00:45:10,090 uh , and Ricky Bia , my chief , uh , 1056 00:45:10,179 --> 00:45:12,123 for doing a great job putting this 1057 00:45:12,123 --> 00:45:14,100 together . Um , Tony , Salisbury , 1058 00:45:14,260 --> 00:45:16,810 thank you . So many folks that every 1059 00:45:16,810 --> 00:45:18,921 single day in Washington , I hope you 1060 00:45:18,921 --> 00:45:21,088 know , are working hard to run as fast 1061 00:45:21,088 --> 00:45:23,370 as you are , to stand alongside you in 1062 00:45:23,370 --> 00:45:25,592 this mission . This is not a conference 1063 00:45:25,729 --> 00:45:28,169 with flags , so we can pat ourselves on 1064 00:45:28,169 --> 00:45:30,899 the back . I can tell you that if I , 1065 00:45:30,979 --> 00:45:33,035 if I sold that to President Trump as 1066 00:45:33,035 --> 00:45:35,257 the objective , he'd kick me out of his 1067 00:45:35,257 --> 00:45:37,035 office . This is an operational 1068 00:45:37,035 --> 00:45:39,201 conference to bring our countries more 1069 00:45:39,201 --> 00:45:41,760 closely together to achieve a shared 1070 00:45:41,760 --> 00:45:44,459 objective and do so aggressively . 1071 00:45:45,699 --> 00:45:48,260 This is not a one-way street . Every 1072 00:45:48,260 --> 00:45:50,371 partner in this region has to do more 1073 00:45:50,371 --> 00:45:52,371 and invest more in your security as 1074 00:45:52,371 --> 00:45:54,593 well . We like you want a hemisphere of 1075 00:45:54,593 --> 00:45:57,020 sovereign , secure and prosperous 1076 00:45:57,020 --> 00:46:00,659 nations . We like you want what another 1077 00:46:00,659 --> 00:46:02,780 great American president , Teddy 1078 00:46:02,780 --> 00:46:05,239 Roosevelt , called the permanent peace 1079 00:46:05,379 --> 00:46:07,212 on this hemisphere , and it will 1080 00:46:07,212 --> 00:46:10,340 require action from all of us . You 1081 00:46:10,340 --> 00:46:12,173 know , our schools used to teach 1082 00:46:12,173 --> 00:46:14,118 American school children about our 1083 00:46:14,129 --> 00:46:17,260 blessed history . Every child in grade 1084 00:46:17,260 --> 00:46:19,316 school knowing , grew up knowing the 1085 00:46:19,316 --> 00:46:22,739 remarkable story of this country . They 1086 00:46:22,739 --> 00:46:24,795 knew that President James Monroe was 1087 00:46:24,795 --> 00:46:27,780 once an orphan . That at a mere 16 1088 00:46:27,780 --> 00:46:29,836 years old , he had to look after his 1089 00:46:29,836 --> 00:46:32,010 siblings . I've got an almost 1090 00:46:32,010 --> 00:46:34,177 16-year-old . He could've looked after 1091 00:46:34,177 --> 00:46:37,290 anything . It's remarkable Well , that 1092 00:46:37,290 --> 00:46:39,401 orphan grew to be not just one of the 1093 00:46:39,401 --> 00:46:41,457 greatest presidents , but one of our 1094 00:46:41,457 --> 00:46:43,179 greatest Americans . After his 1095 00:46:43,179 --> 00:46:45,346 presidency , when his wife died and he 1096 00:46:45,346 --> 00:46:47,679 became frail and ill with heart failure . 1097 00:46:47,679 --> 00:46:49,901 But he still spoke about what he called 1098 00:46:49,901 --> 00:46:52,080 our shared cause of liberty . Still 1099 00:46:52,080 --> 00:46:54,959 talked about the toils and the perils 1100 00:46:54,959 --> 00:46:58,600 of our war for independence . James 1101 00:46:58,600 --> 00:47:01,159 Monroe , our 7th president , died on 1102 00:47:01,159 --> 00:47:02,770 July 4th , the 4th of July , 1103 00:47:02,790 --> 00:47:06,000 Independence Day , 1831 . 1104 00:47:07,439 --> 00:47:11,100 50 years after 1776 . What I like to 1105 00:47:11,100 --> 00:47:13,267 say is here at the Department of War , 1106 00:47:13,267 --> 00:47:16,860 we're in the 1775 business . Which is 1107 00:47:16,860 --> 00:47:19,082 when Americans took up arms before they 1108 00:47:19,082 --> 00:47:21,510 even declared independence . All of you 1109 00:47:21,510 --> 00:47:24,429 are also in the 1775 business . Without 1110 00:47:24,429 --> 00:47:26,389 the force of arms , without our 1111 00:47:26,389 --> 00:47:28,611 militaries , we cannot keep our country 1112 00:47:28,611 --> 00:47:31,590 safe . That's my responsibility and it 1113 00:47:31,590 --> 00:47:34,580 is yours . With Donald Trump in the 1114 00:47:34,580 --> 00:47:36,858 Oval Office , and with all of you here , 1115 00:47:36,858 --> 00:47:39,290 we can still realize that long ago 1116 00:47:39,290 --> 00:47:43,000 dream of James Monroe in our time . We 1117 00:47:43,000 --> 00:47:46,820 will make the Americas great again . 1118 00:47:47,270 --> 00:47:48,937 Thank you and God bless you . 1119 00:48:09,770 --> 00:48:11,929 Thank you Secretary Hegseth . We now 1120 00:48:11,929 --> 00:48:14,096 invite each of our partners to provide 1121 00:48:14,096 --> 00:48:16,489 short remarks . Please deliver your 1122 00:48:16,489 --> 00:48:19,050 remarks seated at your chair instead of 1123 00:48:19,050 --> 00:48:21,209 coming up to the podium . Prime 1124 00:48:21,209 --> 00:48:23,850 Minister Phillips of Guyana , you have 1125 00:48:23,850 --> 00:48:24,850 the floor . 1126 00:48:29,590 --> 00:48:31,701 Thank you . I thank the government of 1127 00:48:31,701 --> 00:48:34,429 the United States of America and the 1128 00:48:34,709 --> 00:48:37,889 Honorable Secretary of War , Pete Exet . 1129 00:48:38,959 --> 00:48:42,689 For convening this inaugural America's 1130 00:48:42,689 --> 00:48:44,800 counter-cartel conference and for the 1131 00:48:44,800 --> 00:48:47,939 invitation extended to Guyana . Guyana 1132 00:48:47,939 --> 00:48:49,979 United States share a strong and 1133 00:48:49,979 --> 00:48:53,639 expanded strategic partnership . Built 1134 00:48:53,639 --> 00:48:56,770 on mutual trust . And robust defense 1135 00:48:56,770 --> 00:48:59,800 and security cooperation . Through 1136 00:48:59,800 --> 00:49:03,100 capacity building , joint exercises , 1137 00:49:03,600 --> 00:49:06,459 and policy and technical engagements . 1138 00:49:07,209 --> 00:49:09,610 Our countries have worked closely 1139 00:49:09,610 --> 00:49:12,449 together to combat narco trafficking 1140 00:49:12,449 --> 00:49:15,010 and other forms of transnational crime . 1141 00:49:16,310 --> 00:49:19,219 The transnational activities of cartels , 1142 00:49:19,709 --> 00:49:22,469 gangs , and other criminal actors 1143 00:49:22,469 --> 00:49:25,409 threaten regional peace and security . 1144 00:49:26,580 --> 00:49:28,840 These networks undermine the rule of 1145 00:49:28,840 --> 00:49:31,919 law . Weakened institutions . 1146 00:49:33,459 --> 00:49:36,699 and threaten the safety and economic 1147 00:49:36,699 --> 00:49:40,250 well-being of our citizens . For 1148 00:49:40,250 --> 00:49:42,979 countries like Guyana , located along 1149 00:49:44,050 --> 00:49:46,272 important maritime and regional transit 1150 00:49:46,272 --> 00:49:48,209 corridors , addressing narco 1151 00:49:48,209 --> 00:49:50,389 trafficking and narco-terrorism 1152 00:49:52,219 --> 00:49:54,330 requires strong cooperation among our 1153 00:49:54,330 --> 00:49:56,620 nations . These threats demand 1154 00:49:56,879 --> 00:49:58,823 coordinated intelligence sharing . 1155 00:49:59,550 --> 00:50:02,580 Enhance operational cooperation . And 1156 00:50:02,580 --> 00:50:05,340 strengthened defense capabilities 1157 00:50:05,340 --> 00:50:08,379 across the hemisphere . And to continue 1158 00:50:08,379 --> 00:50:10,899 to respect The sovereignty and 1159 00:50:10,899 --> 00:50:13,500 territorial integrity of every state . 1160 00:50:15,250 --> 00:50:17,110 As our region continues to grow 1161 00:50:17,110 --> 00:50:20,479 economically and strategically . It is 1162 00:50:20,479 --> 00:50:24,250 also essential That we work together to 1163 00:50:24,250 --> 00:50:26,139 protect critical infrastructure . 1164 00:50:26,379 --> 00:50:29,459 Strengthen national institutions and 1165 00:50:29,459 --> 00:50:32,620 enhance our resilience to evolving 1166 00:50:32,620 --> 00:50:35,179 security threats . Through deeper 1167 00:50:35,179 --> 00:50:38,360 cooperation and partnership . We can 1168 00:50:38,360 --> 00:50:41,419 ensure that our hemisphere remains safe , 1169 00:50:41,639 --> 00:50:45,199 secure , and a true zone of peace . 1170 00:50:46,969 --> 00:50:49,239 Guano welcomes the adoption of the 1171 00:50:49,239 --> 00:50:51,183 joint security declaration of this 1172 00:50:51,183 --> 00:50:53,959 conference and looks forward to joining 1173 00:50:53,959 --> 00:50:57,169 the coalition to combat narco-terrorism . 1174 00:50:58,370 --> 00:51:00,203 The government of Guyana remains 1175 00:51:00,203 --> 00:51:03,010 committed . To being a reliable and 1176 00:51:03,010 --> 00:51:05,969 active partner . In advancing the 1177 00:51:05,969 --> 00:51:08,270 security and stability of the Western 1178 00:51:08,270 --> 00:51:10,214 Hemisphere . Thank you very much . 1179 00:51:17,260 --> 00:51:19,149 Thank you , Mr . Prime Minister . 1180 00:51:19,149 --> 00:51:21,427 Lieutenant General Presty of Argentina , 1181 00:51:21,427 --> 00:51:22,593 you have the floor . 1182 00:51:29,300 --> 00:51:30,300 authorities , 1183 00:51:35,590 --> 00:51:39,560 before I begin , I want to mention our 1184 00:51:39,560 --> 00:51:42,800 respect for the to the American 1185 00:51:42,800 --> 00:51:46,280 military who recently lost their 1186 00:51:46,280 --> 00:51:50,040 lives in combat , um , following their 1187 00:51:50,040 --> 00:51:50,560 duty . 1188 00:51:56,820 --> 00:51:58,987 They served their country with honor . 1189 00:51:59,580 --> 00:52:03,280 Argentina honors their sacrifice and 1190 00:52:03,280 --> 00:52:05,979 feels for their families . Likewise , 1191 00:52:06,219 --> 00:52:09,020 with the accident that the Bolivian Air 1192 00:52:09,020 --> 00:52:12,060 Force , a , uh , uh , brethren country , 1193 00:52:12,179 --> 00:52:14,659 our condolences . I come here in the 1194 00:52:14,659 --> 00:52:16,810 name of the president of the 1195 00:52:16,810 --> 00:52:19,459 Argentinian nation , our commander in 1196 00:52:19,459 --> 00:52:21,770 chief of our armed forces , our leader , 1197 00:52:22,459 --> 00:52:26,330 Javier Milele . To reaffirm our 1198 00:52:26,330 --> 00:52:28,274 commitment , the commitment of the 1199 00:52:28,274 --> 00:52:30,949 Argentinian Republic with the safety 1200 00:52:31,250 --> 00:52:34,229 and the stability of our hemisphere , 1201 00:52:36,449 --> 00:52:40,209 the states of this continent confront 1202 00:52:40,810 --> 00:52:43,850 similar threats , maybe in different 1203 00:52:43,850 --> 00:52:46,790 intensity , which affect our citizens , 1204 00:52:47,250 --> 00:52:50,889 our property , our strategic 1205 00:52:50,889 --> 00:52:53,574 resources . And our critical 1206 00:52:53,574 --> 00:52:57,324 infrastructures before 1207 00:52:57,324 --> 00:53:01,175 these challenges , defense is a 1208 00:53:01,854 --> 00:53:03,955 central function of the state . 1209 00:53:05,655 --> 00:53:09,284 Argentina , Argentina has a key place 1210 00:53:09,284 --> 00:53:12,094 in the southern part of our continent . 1211 00:53:12,695 --> 00:53:15,014 We are a natural axis of projection 1212 00:53:15,014 --> 00:53:16,736 towards South Atlantic and the 1213 00:53:16,736 --> 00:53:20,574 Antarctic , and an actor with 1214 00:53:20,574 --> 00:53:23,729 direct incidents . In the world , 1215 00:53:23,739 --> 00:53:27,159 uh , the , the global 1216 00:53:27,159 --> 00:53:30,139 commerce , both because of our 1217 00:53:30,139 --> 00:53:32,780 strategic resources and our , and our 1218 00:53:32,780 --> 00:53:36,179 ability to , to produce , this is a 1219 00:53:36,179 --> 00:53:39,419 relevant position within the 1220 00:53:39,419 --> 00:53:41,780 regional safety and security 1221 00:53:41,780 --> 00:53:44,060 architecture and globally with the 1222 00:53:44,060 --> 00:53:46,090 responsibility to contribute to the 1223 00:53:46,090 --> 00:53:48,840 stability of the full American system . 1224 00:53:51,024 --> 00:53:54,324 The central axis of our defense policy 1225 00:53:54,485 --> 00:53:57,495 is development of human capital and 1226 00:53:57,495 --> 00:53:59,534 intelligent incorporation of 1227 00:53:59,534 --> 00:54:03,024 technological innovation . This 1228 00:54:03,024 --> 00:54:06,024 integration allows us to build modern 1229 00:54:06,024 --> 00:54:08,665 armed forces , agile armed forces , and 1230 00:54:08,665 --> 00:54:12,094 prepare armed forces to bring stability , 1231 00:54:12,274 --> 00:54:15,125 privisibility , and cooperation 1232 00:54:16,264 --> 00:54:18,465 in an effective international way in 1233 00:54:18,465 --> 00:54:20,243 the regional area . Thank you . 1234 00:54:24,540 --> 00:54:26,596 Thank you , sir . Minister Monroe of 1235 00:54:26,596 --> 00:54:29,679 the Bahamas , you have the floor . Good 1236 00:54:29,679 --> 00:54:32,330 morning , Excellencies . On behalf of 1237 00:54:32,330 --> 00:54:34,163 the government and people of the 1238 00:54:34,163 --> 00:54:36,330 Commonwealth of the Bahamas , I extend 1239 00:54:36,330 --> 00:54:38,497 warm appreciation to Secretary Headset 1240 00:54:38,739 --> 00:54:40,961 and the government of the United States 1241 00:54:41,129 --> 00:54:43,370 for convening this conference and for 1242 00:54:43,370 --> 00:54:46,770 the seriousness of purpose signal which 1243 00:54:46,770 --> 00:54:49,090 it signals to criminal networks across 1244 00:54:49,090 --> 00:54:52,159 this hemisphere . Let me be direct , 1245 00:54:52,699 --> 00:54:55,219 this gathering is a declaration that we 1246 00:54:55,219 --> 00:54:57,729 will no longer permit cartel networks , 1247 00:54:58,060 --> 00:55:00,260 narcotics traffickers , and organized 1248 00:55:00,260 --> 00:55:02,340 criminal enterprises to exploit the 1249 00:55:02,340 --> 00:55:04,500 gaps between and within our 1250 00:55:04,500 --> 00:55:07,610 jurisdictions , and the Bahamas stands 1251 00:55:07,610 --> 00:55:09,840 fully committed to that declaration . 1252 00:55:11,270 --> 00:55:13,103 Allow me to use this occasion to 1253 00:55:13,103 --> 00:55:15,326 reiterate that the military cooperation 1254 00:55:15,326 --> 00:55:17,270 between the Bahamas and the United 1255 00:55:17,270 --> 00:55:19,214 States must be based on the shared 1256 00:55:19,214 --> 00:55:21,326 commitment to peace , sovereignty and 1257 00:55:21,326 --> 00:55:23,548 security . Consistent with our existing 1258 00:55:23,548 --> 00:55:25,492 bilateral agreements and with full 1259 00:55:25,492 --> 00:55:27,492 respect for sovereignty and laws of 1260 00:55:27,492 --> 00:55:29,714 each country and with due regard to the 1261 00:55:29,714 --> 00:55:32,129 international legal norms . The Bahamas 1262 00:55:32,129 --> 00:55:34,351 intends to work closely with the United 1263 00:55:34,351 --> 00:55:37,669 States Department of War in expanding 1264 00:55:37,669 --> 00:55:39,610 joint military cooperation , 1265 00:55:39,909 --> 00:55:42,189 recognizing the shared responsibility 1266 00:55:42,189 --> 00:55:44,300 for regional security and stability . 1267 00:55:45,000 --> 00:55:46,719 The Bahamas welcomes closer 1268 00:55:46,719 --> 00:55:48,840 collaboration on military to military 1269 00:55:48,840 --> 00:55:51,469 efforts regarding border security , 1270 00:55:51,840 --> 00:55:54,899 counter-narcotics , interoperability , 1271 00:55:54,989 --> 00:55:58,510 and intelligence sharing . The 1272 00:55:58,510 --> 00:56:00,919 disparity between the scale of our 1273 00:56:00,919 --> 00:56:03,560 security responsibility and our 1274 00:56:03,560 --> 00:56:06,000 resource capacity is significant , and 1275 00:56:06,000 --> 00:56:08,719 it is not sustainable . Our vast 1276 00:56:08,719 --> 00:56:11,320 maritime domain requires continuous 1277 00:56:11,320 --> 00:56:14,040 aerial and maritime patrols . Our 1278 00:56:14,040 --> 00:56:16,096 surveillance infrastructure requires 1279 00:56:16,096 --> 00:56:18,479 sustained capital investment , and our 1280 00:56:18,479 --> 00:56:21,159 security personnel require advanced 1281 00:56:21,159 --> 00:56:23,381 training in counter-narcotics , counter 1282 00:56:23,381 --> 00:56:26,209 trafficking , and cyber defense . The 1283 00:56:26,209 --> 00:56:28,098 concept of peace through strength 1284 00:56:28,098 --> 00:56:30,379 carries enduring resonances , and if we 1285 00:56:30,379 --> 00:56:32,739 are candid , enduring misapplications . 1286 00:56:33,300 --> 00:56:35,522 For a small state like the Bahamas , it 1287 00:56:35,522 --> 00:56:37,744 is not about arsenal size . It is about 1288 00:56:37,744 --> 00:56:39,860 integrity of our institutions , the 1289 00:56:39,860 --> 00:56:42,179 credibility of our courts , courts , 1290 00:56:42,199 --> 00:56:44,255 and the depths of our partnerships . 1291 00:56:44,540 --> 00:56:46,707 Hence , peace through strength , as we 1292 00:56:46,707 --> 00:56:49,000 understand it is not unilateral . It is 1293 00:56:49,000 --> 00:56:50,989 collective . It rests on the 1294 00:56:50,989 --> 00:56:53,510 recognition that hemispheric security 1295 00:56:53,510 --> 00:56:56,409 is indivisible , that what weakens 1296 00:56:56,409 --> 00:57:00,389 Nassau ultimately weakens Miami , that 1297 00:57:00,389 --> 00:57:02,550 instability in Port au Prince reaches 1298 00:57:02,550 --> 00:57:04,870 Nassau long before it reaches 1299 00:57:04,870 --> 00:57:07,070 Washington , and that small states on 1300 00:57:07,070 --> 00:57:09,181 the front line of transnational crime 1301 00:57:09,429 --> 00:57:12,070 deserve genuine partners , not 1302 00:57:12,070 --> 00:57:14,709 conditional patrons . Let me close by 1303 00:57:14,709 --> 00:57:17,489 stating The Bahamas commitment and 1304 00:57:17,489 --> 00:57:20,169 expectation with directness this forum 1305 00:57:20,169 --> 00:57:22,810 warrants . The Bahamas will continue to 1306 00:57:22,810 --> 00:57:25,209 operate as a frontline maritime 1307 00:57:25,209 --> 00:57:28,800 security partner . Disrupting narcotics 1308 00:57:28,800 --> 00:57:31,439 trafficking routes , denying criminal 1309 00:57:31,439 --> 00:57:33,383 networks the use of our waters and 1310 00:57:33,383 --> 00:57:35,000 airspace , and contributing 1311 00:57:35,000 --> 00:57:36,959 meaningfully to the security 1312 00:57:37,159 --> 00:57:40,429 architecture of this hemisphere . The 1313 00:57:40,429 --> 00:57:42,373 Bahamas brings to this partnership 1314 00:57:42,373 --> 00:57:44,151 something no defense budget can 1315 00:57:44,151 --> 00:57:48,000 manufacture geography , institutional 1316 00:57:48,000 --> 00:57:50,399 commitment , and a track record of 1317 00:57:50,399 --> 00:57:52,639 cooperation spanning more than 4 1318 00:57:52,639 --> 00:57:55,489 decades . We ask only what we give . 1319 00:57:56,129 --> 00:57:58,530 Genuine partnership grounded in mutual 1320 00:57:58,530 --> 00:58:01,500 respect and shared responsibility . The 1321 00:58:01,500 --> 00:58:04,120 Americas either secures itself 1322 00:58:04,120 --> 00:58:07,100 collectively or it fails collectively . 1323 00:58:07,479 --> 00:58:09,479 The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has 1324 00:58:09,479 --> 00:58:12,120 chosen collective security , and we 1325 00:58:12,120 --> 00:58:14,800 invite every partner assembled there to 1326 00:58:14,800 --> 00:58:17,310 meet that commitment with equal resolve , 1327 00:58:17,639 --> 00:58:19,510 equal investment , and equal 1328 00:58:19,510 --> 00:58:21,066 determination . Thank you . 1329 00:58:27,689 --> 00:58:29,856 Thank you , Minister Monroe . Minister 1330 00:58:29,856 --> 00:58:32,078 Marron of Belize , you have the floor . 1331 00:58:34,739 --> 00:58:37,750 Good morning . Secretary Hague said , 1332 00:58:38,510 --> 00:58:41,229 General Donovan . Distinguished 1333 00:58:41,229 --> 00:58:43,340 ministers , heads of delegation , and 1334 00:58:43,340 --> 00:58:45,550 colleagues . On behalf of the 1335 00:58:45,550 --> 00:58:47,989 government and people of Belize , I 1336 00:58:47,989 --> 00:58:50,229 extend sincere appreciation to the 1337 00:58:50,229 --> 00:58:52,689 United States for convening this timely 1338 00:58:52,949 --> 00:58:55,229 and important conference here in Miami . 1339 00:58:56,080 --> 00:58:57,747 I thank the leadership of the 1340 00:58:57,747 --> 00:58:59,636 Department of War for bringing us 1341 00:58:59,636 --> 00:59:02,080 together around a shared purpose , 1342 00:59:02,479 --> 00:59:04,590 strengthening our collective response 1343 00:59:04,590 --> 00:59:06,239 to cartel activity and the 1344 00:59:06,239 --> 00:59:08,439 transnational crime across the Western 1345 00:59:08,439 --> 00:59:12,320 Hemisphere . For Belize , this is 1346 00:59:12,320 --> 00:59:14,760 not obstruct . As a small but 1347 00:59:14,760 --> 00:59:17,560 strategically located nation bridging 1348 00:59:17,560 --> 00:59:20,000 Central America and the Caribbean , we 1349 00:59:20,000 --> 00:59:22,409 sit along key maritime and overland 1350 00:59:22,409 --> 00:59:25,300 roads exploited by criminal networks . 1351 00:59:25,929 --> 00:59:27,818 These network traffic narcotics , 1352 00:59:27,889 --> 00:59:30,449 weapons , and human beings . They 1353 00:59:30,449 --> 00:59:32,409 undermine governance , distort 1354 00:59:32,409 --> 00:59:35,449 economies , fuel corruption , and erode 1355 00:59:35,449 --> 00:59:37,282 the safety and confidence of our 1356 00:59:37,282 --> 00:59:40,800 citizens . Cartels and transnational 1357 00:59:40,800 --> 00:59:43,159 criminal organizations do not respect 1358 00:59:43,159 --> 00:59:46,060 our borders . They adapt quickly , 1359 00:59:46,479 --> 00:59:49,469 leveraging technology , exploiting 1360 00:59:49,469 --> 00:59:51,247 institutional gaps , and moving 1361 00:59:51,247 --> 00:59:55,199 seamlessly across jurisdictions . Our 1362 00:59:55,199 --> 00:59:57,159 response therefore must be equally 1363 00:59:57,159 --> 01:00:00,080 adaptive , coordinated , and resolute . 1364 01:00:00,889 --> 01:00:03,050 Belize remains firmly committed to a 1365 01:00:03,050 --> 01:00:05,449 comprehensive security strategy that 1366 01:00:05,449 --> 01:00:07,649 combines strong border protection , 1367 01:00:07,969 --> 01:00:09,669 maritime domain awareness , 1368 01:00:10,010 --> 01:00:13,020 intelligence loop-led operations , and 1369 01:00:13,020 --> 01:00:16,590 close interagency collaboration . We 1370 01:00:16,590 --> 01:00:18,219 are investing in the 1371 01:00:18,219 --> 01:00:20,386 professionalization of our Defence and 1372 01:00:20,386 --> 01:00:22,389 Security forces , strengthening our 1373 01:00:22,389 --> 01:00:24,111 legal frameworks and enhancing 1374 01:00:24,111 --> 01:00:25,778 cooperation with regional and 1375 01:00:25,778 --> 01:00:28,439 international partners . But no nation , 1376 01:00:28,510 --> 01:00:31,100 in particular Belize , can confront 1377 01:00:31,100 --> 01:00:34,000 this threat alone . The Western 1378 01:00:34,000 --> 01:00:36,560 Hemisphere is interconnected by trade , 1379 01:00:36,879 --> 01:00:39,110 travel , and shared democratic values . 1380 01:00:39,639 --> 01:00:41,830 When criminal networks destabilize one 1381 01:00:41,830 --> 01:00:44,919 country , the effects ripple across us 1382 01:00:44,919 --> 01:00:47,590 all . That is why partnerships , 1383 01:00:48,030 --> 01:00:50,280 regional and multilateral , are not 1384 01:00:50,280 --> 01:00:53,909 optional . They are essential . We must 1385 01:00:53,909 --> 01:00:56,429 deepen intelligence sharing , improve 1386 01:00:56,429 --> 01:00:58,290 joint operational capabilities , 1387 01:00:58,989 --> 01:01:00,822 strengthen financial tracking to 1388 01:01:00,822 --> 01:01:03,669 disrupt illicit flows , and invest in 1389 01:01:03,669 --> 01:01:05,447 community resilience to prevent 1390 01:01:05,447 --> 01:01:07,899 recruitment by criminal organizations . 1391 01:01:08,870 --> 01:01:11,870 We must ensure that our efforts uphold 1392 01:01:11,870 --> 01:01:14,510 the rule of law , for it is precisely 1393 01:01:14,510 --> 01:01:16,229 this principle that criminal 1394 01:01:16,229 --> 01:01:18,350 enterprises seek to weaken . 1395 01:01:20,260 --> 01:01:22,459 Colleagues , Belize stands ready to 1396 01:01:22,459 --> 01:01:24,500 work shoulder to shoulder with our 1397 01:01:24,500 --> 01:01:26,699 partners to safeguard our region . 1398 01:01:27,139 --> 01:01:29,570 Together , through unity of purpose and 1399 01:01:29,570 --> 01:01:32,179 action , we can deny transnational 1400 01:01:32,179 --> 01:01:34,540 criminal organizations the space they 1401 01:01:34,540 --> 01:01:37,290 seek to operate and build a more and 1402 01:01:37,290 --> 01:01:40,459 secure , prosperous hemisphere for all 1403 01:01:40,459 --> 01:01:42,120 our peoples . Thank you . 1404 01:01:48,540 --> 01:01:50,651 Thank you , Minister Marin , Minister 1405 01:01:50,651 --> 01:01:52,984 Salinas of Bolivia , you have the floor . 1406 01:01:54,969 --> 01:01:58,580 Thank you . Senior secretaria de Guerra 1407 01:01:59,229 --> 01:01:59,429 at 1408 01:02:04,649 --> 01:02:08,020 of South General Donovan , good morning . 1409 01:02:08,229 --> 01:02:10,451 Good morning to the present authorities 1410 01:02:10,451 --> 01:02:12,451 and to the delegates and colleagues 1411 01:02:12,451 --> 01:02:14,396 from different countries . Bolivia 1412 01:02:15,790 --> 01:02:18,750 comes to this forum fully conscious of 1413 01:02:18,750 --> 01:02:22,350 the emerging threats that challenge the 1414 01:02:22,350 --> 01:02:24,459 stability in our region , generating 1415 01:02:24,459 --> 01:02:27,449 even tensions and instability between 1416 01:02:27,729 --> 01:02:31,189 brethren countries with a permanent 1417 01:02:31,189 --> 01:02:34,469 hybrid war situation . We understand 1418 01:02:34,469 --> 01:02:36,629 that the transnational crime has 1419 01:02:36,629 --> 01:02:40,110 mutated towards forms . Of an 1420 01:02:40,110 --> 01:02:43,959 actor or para-institutional operating 1421 01:02:43,959 --> 01:02:47,479 with impunity through the borders which 1422 01:02:47,479 --> 01:02:50,139 until now have been porous eroding 1423 01:02:50,919 --> 01:02:54,500 effective sovereignty of our states um 1424 01:02:55,360 --> 01:02:57,138 before this challenge , Bolivia 1425 01:02:57,138 --> 01:02:59,820 proposes the consolidation of a cooper 1426 01:02:59,820 --> 01:03:02,649 integral . Security . We want to 1427 01:03:02,649 --> 01:03:06,010 establish mutual trust and 1428 01:03:06,010 --> 01:03:08,889 combine combined actions with our 1429 01:03:08,889 --> 01:03:11,090 neighbors and with the United States , 1430 01:03:11,489 --> 01:03:14,250 aligning with the paradigm that 1431 01:03:14,250 --> 01:03:16,969 security of one state is 1432 01:03:16,969 --> 01:03:20,590 interdependent . With that of its 1433 01:03:20,590 --> 01:03:24,429 neighbors and allies , our , 1434 01:03:24,830 --> 01:03:28,270 uh , strategic geographical position 1435 01:03:28,270 --> 01:03:30,326 with the synthesis where we have the 1436 01:03:30,326 --> 01:03:32,310 Andes and the Amazon puts us in a 1437 01:03:33,459 --> 01:03:36,810 critical place we can allow . 1438 01:03:38,459 --> 01:03:41,379 Transnational organized crime to use as 1439 01:03:41,379 --> 01:03:45,100 a hub for distribution and of 1440 01:03:45,100 --> 01:03:47,620 substances or we can transformation in 1441 01:03:47,620 --> 01:03:50,000 a sovereign hub that distributes 1442 01:03:50,860 --> 01:03:52,916 information and security for the the 1443 01:03:52,916 --> 01:03:55,060 whole hemisphere . To reach this 1444 01:03:55,060 --> 01:03:58,360 objective , my country is working with 1445 01:03:58,719 --> 01:04:01,000 investment in the development of 1446 01:04:01,899 --> 01:04:03,899 integral system for surveillance . 1447 01:04:04,360 --> 01:04:06,959 Which integrates satellites , drones , 1448 01:04:07,040 --> 01:04:10,020 radars , and radar data . This is our 1449 01:04:10,020 --> 01:04:13,270 first strategy to close our 1450 01:04:13,270 --> 01:04:16,760 borders , those which the organized 1451 01:04:16,760 --> 01:04:19,000 crime has exploited and fundamentally 1452 01:04:19,239 --> 01:04:21,639 in order to control the gray areas 1453 01:04:21,639 --> 01:04:24,919 which have constituted in our state 1454 01:04:24,919 --> 01:04:26,939 after 20 years of 1455 01:04:27,080 --> 01:04:30,439 deinstitutionalization . We understand 1456 01:04:30,439 --> 01:04:33,840 that modern defense requires a 1457 01:04:33,840 --> 01:04:37,560 multi-domain focus since current 1458 01:04:37,560 --> 01:04:40,709 threats exert a control not only of the 1459 01:04:40,709 --> 01:04:41,899 physical space 1460 01:04:44,840 --> 01:04:48,159 but also in the virtual space and the 1461 01:04:48,159 --> 01:04:51,510 cognitive space . It's the virtual and 1462 01:04:51,510 --> 01:04:54,689 cognitive space where organized crime , 1463 01:04:55,070 --> 01:04:58,129 especially transnational , lives , uh , 1464 01:04:58,149 --> 01:05:01,860 has one of its most dangerous battles 1465 01:05:01,870 --> 01:05:04,037 affecting the locals , using them as , 1466 01:05:04,037 --> 01:05:07,790 as , um , to exploit them , to use them 1467 01:05:07,790 --> 01:05:09,901 for their ends . Our determination is 1468 01:05:09,901 --> 01:05:11,790 clear . We want the action of the 1469 01:05:11,790 --> 01:05:13,512 Bolivian state to attack the . 1470 01:05:13,512 --> 01:05:16,639 Strategic nuclei of organized 1471 01:05:16,760 --> 01:05:20,000 crime , reducing to the maximum any 1472 01:05:20,000 --> 01:05:22,479 collateral damage . Nevertheless , to 1473 01:05:22,479 --> 01:05:26,479 reach the due precision levels 1474 01:05:26,479 --> 01:05:30,399 of technology , strategy , and superior 1475 01:05:30,399 --> 01:05:32,419 decisional superiority that this 1476 01:05:33,030 --> 01:05:36,280 mission requires , we need the active 1477 01:05:36,280 --> 01:05:38,224 cooperation . Of our neighbors and 1478 01:05:38,224 --> 01:05:40,969 allies in order to improve our 1479 01:05:40,969 --> 01:05:43,550 operational capabilities , Bolivia is 1480 01:05:43,550 --> 01:05:46,209 ready to assume its role as an axis of 1481 01:05:46,209 --> 01:05:48,542 stability in the heart of South America , 1482 01:05:48,649 --> 01:05:51,570 protecting our strategic resources and 1483 01:05:51,570 --> 01:05:55,100 guaranteeing that law and sovereignty 1484 01:05:55,709 --> 01:05:57,989 prevail will prevail over criminal 1485 01:05:58,659 --> 01:05:59,937 elements . Thank you . 1486 01:06:03,429 --> 01:06:06,060 Thank you , Minister Salinas . Mr . 1487 01:06:06,179 --> 01:06:08,346 Barros of Chile , you have the floor . 1488 01:06:10,379 --> 01:06:12,649 Thanks . Good morning . Thanks , uh , 1489 01:06:12,899 --> 01:06:15,260 Secretary Hectic and , uh , General 1490 01:06:15,260 --> 01:06:17,899 Donovan , and thanks to all of them who 1491 01:06:17,899 --> 01:06:19,860 had created the initiative of this 1492 01:06:19,860 --> 01:06:22,620 great meeting . Uh , it's great to see 1493 01:06:22,620 --> 01:06:24,787 the government of the United States of 1494 01:06:24,787 --> 01:06:27,500 America leading the war against cartels , 1495 01:06:27,580 --> 01:06:30,209 illegal immigration , and many social 1496 01:06:30,209 --> 01:06:32,300 diseases our countries are suffering 1497 01:06:32,300 --> 01:06:35,989 today . Uh , let me respectfully say 1498 01:06:36,290 --> 01:06:40,060 welcome back . Uh , it's uh very good 1499 01:06:40,060 --> 01:06:42,171 for us to see we have the states back 1500 01:06:42,171 --> 01:06:43,171 again . 1501 01:06:46,659 --> 01:06:48,826 And this conference and this meeting , 1502 01:06:48,826 --> 01:06:50,881 and we are getting together , we are 1503 01:06:50,881 --> 01:06:53,629 joining uh because there's a great 1504 01:06:53,629 --> 01:06:55,851 threat in cartels and other criminals . 1505 01:06:56,790 --> 01:06:59,012 Why ? Because they hurt our societies , 1506 01:06:59,012 --> 01:07:01,290 they create poverty , they create pain , 1507 01:07:01,389 --> 01:07:03,649 they create weakness in our countries . 1508 01:07:04,149 --> 01:07:07,080 They act against the law . That's a 1509 01:07:07,080 --> 01:07:09,247 great issue . That's why we go against 1510 01:07:09,247 --> 01:07:11,302 them . It's against the law approved 1511 01:07:11,302 --> 01:07:13,136 democratically in our nations in 1512 01:07:13,136 --> 01:07:16,659 accordance with our sovereignty and the 1513 01:07:16,659 --> 01:07:18,826 power and the decision of the people , 1514 01:07:18,979 --> 01:07:21,810 and our governments are forced to 1515 01:07:21,810 --> 01:07:24,260 defend the law , the rule of law . It's 1516 01:07:24,260 --> 01:07:26,860 because the law of civilized nations , 1517 01:07:27,260 --> 01:07:29,459 we will join and work together to end 1518 01:07:29,459 --> 01:07:31,899 the pandemia of the cartels and all the 1519 01:07:31,899 --> 01:07:35,100 criminal . Actions are associated to 1520 01:07:35,100 --> 01:07:37,179 them . The great difference between 1521 01:07:37,179 --> 01:07:40,760 them and us is that this alliance 1522 01:07:41,419 --> 01:07:44,739 is against criminals , and we will 1523 01:07:44,739 --> 01:07:47,149 fight them . and decision is to 1524 01:07:47,149 --> 01:07:50,540 strength our together , work together 1525 01:07:50,540 --> 01:07:53,639 as you mentioned , and uh we will do it 1526 01:07:54,139 --> 01:07:56,195 in accordance with the rule of law . 1527 01:07:56,340 --> 01:08:00,020 And uh we will be tough . We will fight . 1528 01:08:00,260 --> 01:08:02,500 We will be in a war because the law is 1529 01:08:02,500 --> 01:08:06,030 with us , but we will rather than 1530 01:08:06,030 --> 01:08:08,929 distract the cartels , it's to impose 1531 01:08:08,929 --> 01:08:11,040 the rule of law to come back again to 1532 01:08:11,040 --> 01:08:13,096 our territories . Thanks very much . 1533 01:08:18,660 --> 01:08:20,604 Thank you , Mr . Barros . Minister 1534 01:08:20,604 --> 01:08:22,604 Zamora of Costa Rica , you have the 1535 01:08:22,604 --> 01:08:23,604 floor . 1536 01:08:26,879 --> 01:08:27,879 Mr . 1537 01:08:31,160 --> 01:08:35,120 I , uh , want to extend my thanks 1538 01:08:35,120 --> 01:08:37,120 to everyone . As my colleagues have 1539 01:08:37,439 --> 01:08:39,217 said , we are thankful that the 1540 01:08:39,217 --> 01:08:41,272 doctrine of the United States of the 1541 01:08:41,479 --> 01:08:44,350 year 2026 gives priority to this 1542 01:08:44,350 --> 01:08:47,759 continent because , uh , 1543 01:08:48,240 --> 01:08:51,060 Mr . Hickson , you come in the moment 1544 01:08:51,060 --> 01:08:53,282 that the Americas really need the . The 1545 01:08:53,282 --> 01:08:56,312 support of the United States today 1546 01:08:56,912 --> 01:08:59,151 you're commanding as in the past . 1547 01:09:01,691 --> 01:09:05,202 Colonel Custer commanded the 7th 1548 01:09:05,202 --> 01:09:08,892 Cavalry , supporting the democracies in 1549 01:09:08,892 --> 01:09:11,114 the continent at the moment in which we 1550 01:09:11,114 --> 01:09:14,832 really need it if we had to define the 1551 01:09:14,832 --> 01:09:17,175 situation . Of the Americas before this 1552 01:09:17,436 --> 01:09:19,547 current effort of the United States , 1553 01:09:19,547 --> 01:09:21,325 we would have to define them as 1554 01:09:22,706 --> 01:09:26,386 democracies that are committed or , or 1555 01:09:26,386 --> 01:09:28,465 they're actually compromised by the 1556 01:09:28,465 --> 01:09:30,905 power of drug trafficking and cartels . 1557 01:09:31,145 --> 01:09:33,256 What the United States is offering us 1558 01:09:33,256 --> 01:09:35,367 today is to work together so that our 1559 01:09:35,367 --> 01:09:38,188 shared values of democracy . And , and 1560 01:09:38,188 --> 01:09:41,229 the civic values that we share with the 1561 01:09:41,229 --> 01:09:43,451 people and the government of the United 1562 01:09:43,451 --> 01:09:45,749 States become a reality in the whole 1563 01:09:45,749 --> 01:09:48,389 continent . I'm talking to you from a 1564 01:09:48,389 --> 01:09:50,708 country , Costa Rica , in which there's 1565 01:09:50,708 --> 01:09:53,909 more Americans in , in our country than 1566 01:09:53,909 --> 01:09:56,988 Costa Ricans in the United States , and 1567 01:09:56,988 --> 01:10:00,719 that makes us understand the uh 1568 01:10:01,108 --> 01:10:05,049 how we are brethren , how uh and 1569 01:10:05,049 --> 01:10:07,105 Latin American countries , we're all 1570 01:10:07,105 --> 01:10:09,529 brethren . Uh , the first thing is that 1571 01:10:09,529 --> 01:10:11,807 my country understood that sovereignty , 1572 01:10:13,089 --> 01:10:16,770 is not a border that the drug 1573 01:10:16,770 --> 01:10:20,049 traffickers don't respect , but the 1574 01:10:20,049 --> 01:10:23,310 efforts of justice do . So 1575 01:10:24,209 --> 01:10:28,009 we celebrated a joint patrol 1576 01:10:28,009 --> 01:10:30,120 treaty with the United States without 1577 01:10:30,120 --> 01:10:32,169 against police authority . And 1578 01:10:32,169 --> 01:10:35,169 jurisdictional authority to the 1579 01:10:35,169 --> 01:10:37,569 American ships when they are in our 1580 01:10:37,569 --> 01:10:40,609 seas and this has been 1581 01:10:42,109 --> 01:10:44,609 an effective deterrent and today with 1582 01:10:44,609 --> 01:10:48,370 Southcomm we are working so that all 1583 01:10:48,370 --> 01:10:52,209 our boarders have scanners in 1584 01:10:52,209 --> 01:10:55,455 surveillance in air sea . Ground so 1585 01:10:55,455 --> 01:10:58,384 that no export that comes , uh , export 1586 01:10:58,384 --> 01:11:00,495 that comes from the states from Costa 1587 01:11:00,495 --> 01:11:02,785 Rica is not scanned , so we're going to 1588 01:11:02,785 --> 01:11:05,035 stop drug trafficking to use our 1589 01:11:05,035 --> 01:11:07,854 commerce routes to bring drugs into the 1590 01:11:07,854 --> 01:11:09,975 United States and this joint effort 1591 01:11:09,975 --> 01:11:13,615 that we're doing with Southcom I think 1592 01:11:13,615 --> 01:11:17,580 is , is the proper signal . In 1593 01:11:17,580 --> 01:11:20,680 the line of creating this uh joint work . 1594 01:11:21,100 --> 01:11:24,459 I conclude , uh , Mr . War 1595 01:11:24,459 --> 01:11:27,979 Secretary mentioning that there is also 1596 01:11:27,979 --> 01:11:30,580 the Treaty of San Jose , which gives us 1597 01:11:30,580 --> 01:11:34,040 uh the legal framework to increase this 1598 01:11:34,040 --> 01:11:37,259 cooperation , this joint , joint 1599 01:11:37,259 --> 01:11:39,459 cooperation and uh security costs . 1600 01:11:39,694 --> 01:11:41,583 Frique is gonna propose your name 1601 01:11:41,705 --> 01:11:43,649 because with the leadership of the 1602 01:11:43,649 --> 01:11:46,024 United States , our countries must 1603 01:11:46,024 --> 01:11:48,504 define a vice , uh , an operational 1604 01:11:48,504 --> 01:11:51,384 vice presidency , and for us it would 1605 01:11:51,384 --> 01:11:55,145 be an honor if you , 1606 01:11:55,265 --> 01:11:59,265 if uh if uh we , that could be done 1607 01:11:59,265 --> 01:12:01,765 if this form so approves . Thank you . 1608 01:12:04,439 --> 01:12:06,550 Thank you , Minister Zamora , General 1609 01:12:06,550 --> 01:12:08,717 Onofre of the Dominican Republic , you 1610 01:12:08,717 --> 01:12:10,549 have the floor . Good morning , 1611 01:12:14,709 --> 01:12:17,042 Mr . Secretary Hexeth , General Donovan , 1612 01:12:18,229 --> 01:12:20,729 um , colleagues , chiefs of delegations 1613 01:12:20,729 --> 01:12:22,490 in the hemisphere , ladies and 1614 01:12:22,490 --> 01:12:26,250 gentlemen , it's a great honor for the 1615 01:12:26,250 --> 01:12:28,306 Dominican Republic to participate in 1616 01:12:28,306 --> 01:12:31,049 this America's conference against 1617 01:12:31,049 --> 01:12:34,930 cartels here in the Southcom in 1618 01:12:34,930 --> 01:12:38,250 the United States . It's a space that 1619 01:12:38,250 --> 01:12:40,174 reaffirmed . Our commit common 1620 01:12:40,174 --> 01:12:42,895 commitment with security and stability 1621 01:12:42,895 --> 01:12:46,075 in the hemisphere . Our country 1622 01:12:46,415 --> 01:12:48,875 recognizes that to advance in peace , 1623 01:12:49,334 --> 01:12:53,214 we must ensure our , uh the safety 1624 01:12:53,214 --> 01:12:55,270 of our countries and borders . There 1625 01:12:55,270 --> 01:12:57,895 cannot be any sustainable development 1626 01:12:57,895 --> 01:12:59,839 without security . There cannot be 1627 01:12:59,839 --> 01:13:03,694 prosperity without stability . And our 1628 01:13:03,694 --> 01:13:05,674 condition of as Caribbean nation . 1629 01:13:06,299 --> 01:13:09,680 Which we have a key geostrategic 1630 01:13:09,680 --> 01:13:13,419 position , we assume the challenge 1631 01:13:13,419 --> 01:13:16,060 of countering drug trafficking , drug 1632 01:13:16,060 --> 01:13:18,560 trafficking , narco-terrorism , and 1633 01:13:18,560 --> 01:13:21,580 transnational crime , and the emerging 1634 01:13:21,580 --> 01:13:24,459 threats that impact directly our 1635 01:13:24,459 --> 01:13:28,060 societies . We 1636 01:13:28,060 --> 01:13:30,970 support this joint security 1637 01:13:30,970 --> 01:13:33,479 declaration or statement 1638 01:13:34,500 --> 01:13:38,225 oriented . Increase multinational 1639 01:13:38,225 --> 01:13:41,984 cooperation and strengthen our efforts 1640 01:13:41,984 --> 01:13:45,665 in border security , protect critical 1641 01:13:45,665 --> 01:13:48,745 infrastructure , and consolidate our 1642 01:13:48,745 --> 01:13:52,305 cyber defense capabilities . These 1643 01:13:52,305 --> 01:13:54,995 challenges do not recognize borders . 1644 01:13:55,375 --> 01:13:58,745 Therefore , our response has to be 1645 01:13:58,745 --> 01:14:02,705 joint as a region . We believe 1646 01:14:02,705 --> 01:14:05,270 in promoting peace . Through the 1647 01:14:05,270 --> 01:14:08,109 legitimate force of the state and in 1648 01:14:08,109 --> 01:14:10,830 the strategic cooperation between 1649 01:14:10,830 --> 01:14:14,810 allied nations to join in a hemispheric 1650 01:14:15,029 --> 01:14:17,196 coalition against drug trafficking and 1651 01:14:17,196 --> 01:14:19,839 other threats is not only an option , 1652 01:14:20,270 --> 01:14:23,950 it is a historical need . 1653 01:14:24,890 --> 01:14:28,490 Dominican Republic reaffirms its 1654 01:14:28,790 --> 01:14:30,990 commitment to stability , democracy , 1655 01:14:31,029 --> 01:14:33,196 and the development of the region . We 1656 01:14:33,196 --> 01:14:36,475 are ready . To align our priorities , 1657 01:14:36,825 --> 01:14:38,475 shared best practices , 1658 01:14:40,645 --> 01:14:44,595 opportunities that allows us 1659 01:14:44,595 --> 01:14:47,584 to anticipate risks , deter threats , 1660 01:14:47,634 --> 01:14:50,625 and protect our citizens together with 1661 01:14:50,625 --> 01:14:52,935 political will and coordinated action . 1662 01:14:53,555 --> 01:14:55,875 We will strengthen the safety of the 1663 01:14:56,075 --> 01:14:58,714 Western Hemisphere , and we will build 1664 01:14:58,714 --> 01:15:02,075 a more prosperous future for our 1665 01:15:02,075 --> 01:15:03,297 nations . Thank you . 1666 01:15:07,859 --> 01:15:09,970 Thank you , General Onofre . Minister 1667 01:15:09,970 --> 01:15:12,379 Lofredo of Ecuador , you have the floor . 1668 01:15:13,430 --> 01:15:16,770 Good morning everyone . I am here today 1669 01:15:16,770 --> 01:15:18,714 representing the government of the 1670 01:15:18,714 --> 01:15:21,569 Republic of Ecuador . I stand before 1671 01:15:21,569 --> 01:15:24,370 this multilateral forum not only as a 1672 01:15:24,370 --> 01:15:26,439 Minister of Defense , but as the 1673 01:15:26,439 --> 01:15:29,229 spokesman for a nation that has decided 1674 01:15:29,649 --> 01:15:32,209 with absolute firmness and political 1675 01:15:32,209 --> 01:15:35,810 will to confront the greatest threat of 1676 01:15:35,810 --> 01:15:37,580 our contemporary history , 1677 01:15:37,970 --> 01:15:41,549 transnational narco-terrorism . We are 1678 01:15:41,549 --> 01:15:44,350 at a turning point . The decisions we 1679 01:15:44,350 --> 01:15:47,830 make at this conference will directly 1680 01:15:47,830 --> 01:15:50,149 impact the security and stability of 1681 01:15:50,149 --> 01:15:53,509 our future generations . Historically , 1682 01:15:53,779 --> 01:15:56,069 our nations have shared the values of 1683 01:15:56,069 --> 01:15:58,790 democracy , freedom , and the rule of 1684 01:15:58,790 --> 01:16:01,830 law . Today , those values demand a 1685 01:16:01,830 --> 01:16:04,950 common strategic response from us . On 1686 01:16:04,950 --> 01:16:07,350 the basic of this principle , our 1687 01:16:07,350 --> 01:16:09,790 national defense policy aligns with the 1688 01:16:09,790 --> 01:16:12,509 United States national defense strategy . 1689 01:16:13,540 --> 01:16:16,410 Ecuador recognizes that the border 1690 01:16:16,410 --> 01:16:18,810 security is an essential component of 1691 01:16:18,810 --> 01:16:21,859 national and hemispheric security . The 1692 01:16:21,859 --> 01:16:24,939 threats we face have mutated . We are 1693 01:16:24,939 --> 01:16:27,379 not dealing with dispersed criminal 1694 01:16:27,379 --> 01:16:30,459 networks , but with destabilizing 1695 01:16:30,459 --> 01:16:33,500 structures with transnational scope and 1696 01:16:33,500 --> 01:16:36,419 links that erode democratic 1697 01:16:36,419 --> 01:16:38,859 institutions . Narco-terrorist 1698 01:16:38,859 --> 01:16:41,310 organizations not only traffic drugs , 1699 01:16:41,680 --> 01:16:44,419 they challenge the legitimate authority 1700 01:16:44,720 --> 01:16:47,439 of the state and affect the freedom and 1701 01:16:47,439 --> 01:16:50,919 prosperity of our citizens . The 1702 01:16:50,919 --> 01:16:53,200 security of our hemisphere is 1703 01:16:53,200 --> 01:16:56,240 indivisible . Every nation that 1704 01:16:56,240 --> 01:16:58,759 strengthens its capacities contributes 1705 01:16:58,759 --> 01:17:01,520 to the regional stability . In this 1706 01:17:01,520 --> 01:17:05,140 context , Ecuador commitment is to own 1707 01:17:05,140 --> 01:17:07,919 to its own security also constitutes an 1708 01:17:07,919 --> 01:17:10,600 important contribution to the security 1709 01:17:10,600 --> 01:17:13,660 of the Americas . During the last few 1710 01:17:13,660 --> 01:17:15,959 years , Ecuador has ceased to be merely 1711 01:17:15,959 --> 01:17:18,520 a transit country and has become one of 1712 01:17:18,520 --> 01:17:20,839 the main departure points for drug 1713 01:17:20,839 --> 01:17:23,899 trafficking to international markets . 1714 01:17:24,359 --> 01:17:26,959 This evolution of criminal activity has 1715 01:17:26,959 --> 01:17:29,600 generated a wave of unprecedented 1716 01:17:29,600 --> 01:17:32,720 violence in our recent history . In 1717 01:17:32,720 --> 01:17:35,120 addition to this , there exists a 1718 01:17:35,120 --> 01:17:37,120 structural factor that cannot be 1719 01:17:37,120 --> 01:17:40,979 ignored . The expansion of illicit 1720 01:17:40,979 --> 01:17:43,060 crops in the region and the 1721 01:17:43,060 --> 01:17:45,100 modernization of production and 1722 01:17:45,100 --> 01:17:48,100 distribution chains , as long as these 1723 01:17:48,100 --> 01:17:50,850 dynamics persist , the pressure on our 1724 01:17:50,850 --> 01:17:53,799 territories will continue . Confirming 1725 01:17:53,799 --> 01:17:55,466 that we face a challenge that 1726 01:17:55,466 --> 01:17:57,279 transcends borders and demands 1727 01:17:57,279 --> 01:18:01,109 effective cooperation among states . To 1728 01:18:01,109 --> 01:18:03,109 address this , our government , our 1729 01:18:03,109 --> 01:18:05,229 government made a clear decision to 1730 01:18:05,229 --> 01:18:07,310 restore the authority of the state 1731 01:18:07,310 --> 01:18:09,589 without any ambiguity . Through the 1732 01:18:09,589 --> 01:18:11,422 declaration of an internal armed 1733 01:18:11,422 --> 01:18:13,200 conflict , our armed forces and 1734 01:18:13,200 --> 01:18:15,149 national police , acting in a 1735 01:18:15,149 --> 01:18:17,669 coordinated manner , are decisively 1736 01:18:17,669 --> 01:18:20,270 confronting these groups , reaffirming 1737 01:18:20,270 --> 01:18:23,009 the state's control over its territory 1738 01:18:23,009 --> 01:18:24,731 and restoring the principle of 1739 01:18:24,731 --> 01:18:28,259 authority . As the Ecuadorian 1740 01:18:28,259 --> 01:18:30,370 government , we propose to strengthen 1741 01:18:30,370 --> 01:18:32,537 cooperation on three specific fronts , 1742 01:18:32,879 --> 01:18:34,830 reinforcing intelligence and 1743 01:18:34,830 --> 01:18:37,229 interoperability capacities , 1744 01:18:37,629 --> 01:18:39,990 modernizing border and border control 1745 01:18:39,990 --> 01:18:42,470 using advanced technology , as well as 1746 01:18:42,470 --> 01:18:44,910 a sustained support scheme that 1747 01:18:44,910 --> 01:18:46,632 consolidates our institutional 1748 01:18:46,632 --> 01:18:49,850 capacities in the long term . We need 1749 01:18:49,850 --> 01:18:52,209 to keep in mind that it's not just 1750 01:18:52,209 --> 01:18:54,265 about combating these achievements . 1751 01:18:54,490 --> 01:18:56,689 It's about protecting our societies , 1752 01:18:56,839 --> 01:18:59,250 our economies , and our future . 1753 01:19:00,089 --> 01:19:02,729 Ecuador is willing to do its part . We 1754 01:19:02,729 --> 01:19:04,970 hope to consolidate together with you , 1755 01:19:05,129 --> 01:19:07,351 with all of you sitting at this table , 1756 01:19:07,351 --> 01:19:09,649 a coordinated effort that ensures 1757 01:19:09,649 --> 01:19:11,770 organized crime has no place in the 1758 01:19:11,770 --> 01:19:15,419 Western Hemisphere . The effectiveness 1759 01:19:16,160 --> 01:19:18,160 of that effort will depend on our 1760 01:19:18,160 --> 01:19:21,359 ability to consolidate it by assuming 1761 01:19:21,359 --> 01:19:24,419 real co-responsibility and sustaining 1762 01:19:24,419 --> 01:19:27,000 it over time with the firmness and 1763 01:19:27,000 --> 01:19:29,629 determination that this threat demands . 1764 01:19:29,680 --> 01:19:30,680 Thank you . 1765 01:19:36,720 --> 01:19:38,942 Thank you , Minister Lofredo . Minister 1766 01:19:38,942 --> 01:19:40,998 Moreno of El Salvador , you have the 1767 01:19:40,998 --> 01:19:43,540 floor . Southern Command 1768 01:20:09,665 --> 01:20:13,384 As Salvadorans , it is an honor to have 1769 01:20:13,384 --> 01:20:16,785 been selected to be a part of this 1770 01:20:16,785 --> 01:20:19,944 select group of countries that have 1771 01:20:19,944 --> 01:20:23,334 shown interest to generate a 1772 01:20:23,334 --> 01:20:26,924 change in the hemispheric security . 1773 01:20:28,225 --> 01:20:32,125 I would like to also mention one 1774 01:20:32,185 --> 01:20:35,305 of the ideas that our president Najib 1775 01:20:35,305 --> 01:20:39,149 Bukele . Has based on to make a 1776 01:20:39,149 --> 01:20:42,350 transformation that is currently 1777 01:20:42,350 --> 01:20:45,609 undergoing in El Salvador . He says 1778 01:20:45,839 --> 01:20:49,640 that the person who forgives the wolf 1779 01:20:49,750 --> 01:20:52,310 sacrifices the sheep , and that is what 1780 01:20:52,310 --> 01:20:56,310 was happening in our country . The 1781 01:20:56,310 --> 01:21:00,299 NGOs , these human rights organizations , 1782 01:21:00,669 --> 01:21:02,780 always said that you had to protect . 1783 01:21:03,419 --> 01:21:07,009 The children , the criminals , 1784 01:21:07,520 --> 01:21:10,470 and obviously leaving in the hands of 1785 01:21:10,470 --> 01:21:13,330 the criminals , the honest population , 1786 01:21:14,990 --> 01:21:17,270 Mister President , against the opinions 1787 01:21:17,270 --> 01:21:20,939 of international groups , even 1788 01:21:21,350 --> 01:21:24,549 decided to use the armed forces to 1789 01:21:24,549 --> 01:21:28,430 fight the threat that we had that 1790 01:21:28,430 --> 01:21:31,509 was prevailing at the time that The 1791 01:21:31,509 --> 01:21:35,339 gangs and gave us the order 1792 01:21:35,600 --> 01:21:37,899 to integrate to the civil national 1793 01:21:37,899 --> 01:21:41,459 police in order to resolve this problem 1794 01:21:43,520 --> 01:21:46,540 and in a short while he transformed 1795 01:21:46,919 --> 01:21:50,180 President Bukele El Salvador from being 1796 01:21:50,600 --> 01:21:53,240 the homicide capital , the most 1797 01:21:53,240 --> 01:21:56,160 dangerous country in the world , to 1798 01:21:56,160 --> 01:21:59,770 become the safest . Country of the 1799 01:21:59,770 --> 01:22:03,649 western hemisphere , one 1800 01:22:03,649 --> 01:22:06,890 of the operational lines of President 1801 01:22:06,890 --> 01:22:10,330 Nayib Bukele since the beginning when 1802 01:22:10,330 --> 01:22:13,649 we executed the territorial control 1803 01:22:13,649 --> 01:22:16,930 plan was fighting drug trafficking . 1804 01:22:17,169 --> 01:22:20,129 And while other countries hadn't 1805 01:22:20,129 --> 01:22:22,609 started to do that work , we 1806 01:22:22,609 --> 01:22:25,790 Salvadorans with a small . The Navy 1807 01:22:28,740 --> 01:22:31,970 with rather meager capacities compared 1808 01:22:31,970 --> 01:22:34,620 to other countries would go out 1000 1809 01:22:34,620 --> 01:22:38,470 miles to seize drugs , and 1810 01:22:38,470 --> 01:22:41,100 this shows the willingness of our 1811 01:22:41,100 --> 01:22:44,629 president and also shows the theory 1812 01:22:45,220 --> 01:22:48,419 when put into practice gives results . 1813 01:22:48,700 --> 01:22:52,459 Recently we had one of the biggest 1814 01:22:52,459 --> 01:22:54,459 achievements . In the fight against 1815 01:22:54,459 --> 01:22:58,229 drug trafficking , that was 1816 01:22:58,709 --> 01:23:02,049 the seizure of a multi-purpose ship 1817 01:23:02,189 --> 01:23:06,189 54 m long loaded with 6.6 1818 01:23:06,189 --> 01:23:07,689 tons of cocaine 1819 01:23:08,859 --> 01:23:12,290 380 miles from our coasts . 1820 01:23:12,669 --> 01:23:16,580 To achieve this , we obviously have to 1821 01:23:16,580 --> 01:23:19,549 admit and be thankful to the United 1822 01:23:19,549 --> 01:23:22,589 States the support that they gave us . 1823 01:23:23,129 --> 01:23:25,500 That allows us to train alongside their 1824 01:23:25,500 --> 01:23:27,899 elite forces in the visit that our 1825 01:23:27,899 --> 01:23:30,100 president made last year to the White 1826 01:23:30,100 --> 01:23:33,790 House . That I had the chance to visit 1827 01:23:33,790 --> 01:23:37,790 the Pentagon . We made some 1828 01:23:37,790 --> 01:23:39,846 requests to you , Secretary , and we 1829 01:23:39,846 --> 01:23:43,779 asked you to send us 1830 01:23:43,779 --> 01:23:45,723 another special forces team of the 1831 01:23:45,723 --> 01:23:49,330 SEALs to train with our Tridents , 1832 01:23:49,799 --> 01:23:52,509 and you agreed to that , and we have 1833 01:23:52,509 --> 01:23:54,754 been training together . And the 1834 01:23:54,754 --> 01:23:58,415 results are being reflected in 1835 01:23:58,555 --> 01:24:02,555 this last seizures that we've done as 1836 01:24:02,555 --> 01:24:06,115 Salvadorans , we would like to 1837 01:24:06,115 --> 01:24:09,495 tell everybody present here that 1838 01:24:10,234 --> 01:24:14,055 Salvadoran willpower is there to help 1839 01:24:14,185 --> 01:24:18,069 all of the other countries . That 1840 01:24:18,069 --> 01:24:21,919 may need perhaps some guidance or 1841 01:24:21,919 --> 01:24:25,589 perhaps some sharing 1842 01:24:25,589 --> 01:24:29,270 of our experiences , because , honestly , 1843 01:24:29,350 --> 01:24:31,509 to transform a country from being The 1844 01:24:31,509 --> 01:24:33,790 most dangerous country in the world to 1845 01:24:33,790 --> 01:24:36,790 the safest one in the hemisphere , it 1846 01:24:36,790 --> 01:24:39,870 has not been an easy task , but it 1847 01:24:39,870 --> 01:24:43,189 also reflects one of the concepts that 1848 01:24:43,189 --> 01:24:46,189 our president maintains , that is . 1849 01:24:46,890 --> 01:24:48,160 That 1850 01:24:50,750 --> 01:24:54,720 the state cannot be weaker than crime . 1851 01:24:54,950 --> 01:24:57,109 And when crime takes over a state , 1852 01:24:57,189 --> 01:25:01,069 it's because its government 1853 01:25:01,580 --> 01:25:05,229 officers are not incapacity to fight 1854 01:25:05,229 --> 01:25:07,899 them because they are corrupt , and I 1855 01:25:07,899 --> 01:25:10,066 would like to To reiterate the support 1856 01:25:10,066 --> 01:25:12,015 of El Salvador government in this 1857 01:25:12,015 --> 01:25:13,955 effort , we are glad that you are 1858 01:25:14,254 --> 01:25:17,334 reinstating the Monroe Doctrine . We 1859 01:25:17,334 --> 01:25:19,390 think that the safety of each one of 1860 01:25:19,390 --> 01:25:21,674 the countries contributes to the safety 1861 01:25:21,674 --> 01:25:25,354 of our entire continent and thus the 1862 01:25:25,365 --> 01:25:27,495 individual safety of every country . 1863 01:25:27,604 --> 01:25:28,604 Thank you . 1864 01:25:33,600 --> 01:25:35,767 Thank you , Minister Marino . Minister 1865 01:25:35,767 --> 01:25:38,044 Saen of Guatemala , you have the floor . 1866 01:25:40,040 --> 01:25:42,240 Thank you . Good morning , everyone . 1867 01:25:43,589 --> 01:25:46,609 Guatemala say present . Guatemala 1868 01:25:48,049 --> 01:25:50,271 Guatemala says present and says present 1869 01:25:51,750 --> 01:25:53,879 as a state that is committed 1870 01:25:55,540 --> 01:25:57,520 with hemispheric defense for the 1871 01:25:57,520 --> 01:26:01,140 Western Hemisphere . Guatemala 1872 01:26:01,140 --> 01:26:04,529 clearly understands that . Cartels 1873 01:26:05,120 --> 01:26:07,839 are not just criminal 1874 01:26:07,839 --> 01:26:11,399 organizations . These are structures 1875 01:26:11,399 --> 01:26:15,319 that erode the sovereignty , distort 1876 01:26:15,319 --> 01:26:18,740 the economies , infiltrate the 1877 01:26:18,740 --> 01:26:20,770 institutions of the state . Even 1878 01:26:25,009 --> 01:26:28,330 acting as filters with 1879 01:26:28,729 --> 01:26:32,169 extra hemispheric interests . 1880 01:26:34,270 --> 01:26:37,879 And of course these organizations do 1881 01:26:37,879 --> 01:26:41,680 not share our values , do not share our 1882 01:26:41,680 --> 01:26:45,160 freedom , and do not share the 1883 01:26:45,160 --> 01:26:48,339 interests of our states . For Guatemala , 1884 01:26:48,640 --> 01:26:51,459 border security , hemispheric security 1885 01:26:51,459 --> 01:26:55,000 is a priority . That is why we are 1886 01:26:55,000 --> 01:26:57,910 already working in the . 1887 01:26:58,790 --> 01:27:02,149 Fire belt operation , an operational 1888 01:27:02,149 --> 01:27:05,589 deployment that secures our borders , 1889 01:27:06,029 --> 01:27:08,085 mainly the most porous and dangerous 1890 01:27:08,085 --> 01:27:11,370 one with our sister country of Mexico , 1891 01:27:12,109 --> 01:27:15,750 and it closes spaces for illegal 1892 01:27:15,750 --> 01:27:17,870 economies that these organizations 1893 01:27:17,870 --> 01:27:20,009 bring forth . Because we also 1894 01:27:20,009 --> 01:27:22,342 understand that this is a hybrid threat , 1895 01:27:22,500 --> 01:27:26,259 we share with conviction that 1896 01:27:26,259 --> 01:27:29,459 peace is not just speeches and 1897 01:27:29,459 --> 01:27:32,399 conferences . We share 1898 01:27:33,500 --> 01:27:37,169 that we need . Determination we need 1899 01:27:37,169 --> 01:27:40,669 capabilities , but we also need real 1900 01:27:40,669 --> 01:27:44,470 cooperation , and our commitment as 1901 01:27:44,470 --> 01:27:47,810 Guatemala is not limited exclusively 1902 01:27:48,350 --> 01:27:52,060 to words . Today we 1903 01:27:52,060 --> 01:27:55,700 can say that we have cooperated 1904 01:27:55,700 --> 01:27:58,080 with two detachments in Haiti , 1905 01:27:58,339 --> 01:28:01,990 assuming our responsibility , 1906 01:28:02,220 --> 01:28:04,899 a concrete responsibility to restore 1907 01:28:04,899 --> 01:28:07,759 order and stability in the Caribbean . 1908 01:28:08,459 --> 01:28:11,759 We believe in . Co-responsibility 1909 01:28:11,759 --> 01:28:14,200 across the hemisphere . Guatemala is 1910 01:28:14,200 --> 01:28:17,319 not an observer at this stage . We aim 1911 01:28:17,319 --> 01:28:20,919 to be a partner that shares the burden , 1912 01:28:21,410 --> 01:28:25,120 that invests on our own defense , and 1913 01:28:25,120 --> 01:28:27,399 that actively contributes to a united 1914 01:28:27,399 --> 01:28:29,549 front against these criminal 1915 01:28:29,549 --> 01:28:32,959 organizations and against anybody . 1916 01:28:33,282 --> 01:28:35,841 That seeks to weaken democracy's inner 1917 01:28:35,841 --> 01:28:39,452 hemisphere . Guatemala 1918 01:28:40,571 --> 01:28:42,892 confirms with deeds what we have 1919 01:28:42,892 --> 01:28:45,332 historically done . We've always been 1920 01:28:45,332 --> 01:28:48,412 on the right side of history , and I 1921 01:28:48,412 --> 01:28:50,579 would like to brag about this . I want 1922 01:28:50,579 --> 01:28:53,832 to say this again . Guatemala has been 1923 01:28:53,832 --> 01:28:56,253 on the right side of history . Peace 1924 01:28:58,264 --> 01:29:01,523 is not the absence of conflict . Peace 1925 01:29:01,523 --> 01:29:04,943 is the result of legitimate state 1926 01:29:04,943 --> 01:29:08,253 force responsibly 1927 01:29:08,253 --> 01:29:11,744 applied , legitimately applied , 1928 01:29:12,144 --> 01:29:14,483 but with determination . 1929 01:29:15,784 --> 01:29:19,436 Guatemala fully believes in . Peace 1930 01:29:19,436 --> 01:29:20,492 through strength . 1931 01:29:22,036 --> 01:29:23,496 Incredible 1932 01:29:25,306 --> 01:29:27,686 deterrence and strategic cooperation . 1933 01:29:27,996 --> 01:29:30,195 Guatemala believes in a hemisphere 1934 01:29:30,355 --> 01:29:34,036 where organized crime and destabilizing 1935 01:29:34,036 --> 01:29:37,315 actors are unable to find a single 1936 01:29:37,315 --> 01:29:40,855 space to act , much less to prosper . 1937 01:29:40,996 --> 01:29:42,218 Thank you very much . 1938 01:29:47,560 --> 01:29:49,449 Thank you , Minister Saenz . As a 1939 01:29:49,449 --> 01:29:51,560 reminder to our partners , please try 1940 01:29:51,560 --> 01:29:53,782 to limit your remarks to 2 to 3 minutes 1941 01:29:53,782 --> 01:29:56,004 so we can stay on time . Thank you very 1942 01:29:56,004 --> 01:29:58,282 much , Secretary Rodriguez of Honduras . 1943 01:29:58,282 --> 01:30:01,049 You have the floor . Good morning . On 1944 01:30:01,049 --> 01:30:03,609 behalf of the president of Fra , the 1945 01:30:03,609 --> 01:30:05,520 State of Honduras , and the armed 1946 01:30:05,520 --> 01:30:08,200 forces , we would like to express our 1947 01:30:08,200 --> 01:30:10,729 sincere gratitude for the invitation to 1948 01:30:10,729 --> 01:30:12,396 participate in this important 1949 01:30:12,396 --> 01:30:15,939 conference . This forum reaffirms a 1950 01:30:15,939 --> 01:30:19,259 reality we all recognize . The fight 1951 01:30:19,259 --> 01:30:21,830 against cartels and transnational 1952 01:30:21,830 --> 01:30:25,310 organized crime cannot be addressed in 1953 01:30:25,310 --> 01:30:29,100 isolation . It is a hemispheric threat 1954 01:30:29,100 --> 01:30:31,439 that requires joint response , 1955 01:30:31,680 --> 01:30:34,160 permanent cooperation , and a shared 1956 01:30:34,160 --> 01:30:37,350 strategic vision . Honduras 1957 01:30:37,529 --> 01:30:40,410 occupies a key geographic position in 1958 01:30:40,410 --> 01:30:43,620 the continent which has been exploited 1959 01:30:43,620 --> 01:30:46,490 by criminal organizations using our 1960 01:30:46,490 --> 01:30:49,250 territory as a corridor for illicit 1961 01:30:49,250 --> 01:30:52,830 activities . In light of this reality , 1962 01:30:53,129 --> 01:30:55,509 the new government has made a firm 1963 01:30:55,509 --> 01:30:58,689 commitment to strengthen its operations 1964 01:30:58,689 --> 01:31:01,850 and actively contribute to regional 1965 01:31:01,850 --> 01:31:05,129 security . Today , this morning , we're 1966 01:31:05,129 --> 01:31:08,689 here to reaffirm our commitment to work 1967 01:31:08,689 --> 01:31:11,930 alongside our allies , friends , and 1968 01:31:11,930 --> 01:31:14,810 neighbors through regional cooperation , 1969 01:31:15,000 --> 01:31:18,209 sharing a strategic information and 1970 01:31:18,209 --> 01:31:21,169 coordinating efforts to actively 1971 01:31:21,169 --> 01:31:23,490 confront criminal organizations that 1972 01:31:23,490 --> 01:31:26,890 threaten democracy . Honduras will 1973 01:31:26,890 --> 01:31:29,250 continue to fulfill his responsibility 1974 01:31:29,250 --> 01:31:32,290 with determination and with the firm's 1975 01:31:32,290 --> 01:31:35,370 political will to maintain peace and 1976 01:31:35,370 --> 01:31:37,810 security on the Americas . Thank you so 1977 01:31:37,810 --> 01:31:39,088 much , Mucha gracias . 1978 01:31:44,080 --> 01:31:45,969 Thank you , Secretary Rodriguez . 1979 01:31:45,969 --> 01:31:48,136 Ambassador Marks of Jamaica , you have 1980 01:31:48,136 --> 01:31:49,136 the floor . 1981 01:31:52,229 --> 01:31:56,140 So . Thank you . Honorable Peter Etze , 1982 01:31:56,700 --> 01:31:59,819 General Francis Donovan . Mr . Stephen 1983 01:31:59,819 --> 01:32:01,850 Miller , colleagues , ladies and 1984 01:32:01,850 --> 01:32:04,740 gentlemen , thank you for this 1985 01:32:04,740 --> 01:32:07,220 opportunity to be here this morning . I 1986 01:32:07,220 --> 01:32:08,942 bring remarks on behalf of the 1987 01:32:08,942 --> 01:32:11,620 government of Jamaica and particularly 1988 01:32:11,620 --> 01:32:13,564 our Prime Minister and Minister of 1989 01:32:13,564 --> 01:32:16,270 Defense , Doctor Andrew Holness . But 1990 01:32:16,270 --> 01:32:18,437 Mr . Secretary , before I get into the 1991 01:32:18,437 --> 01:32:21,740 remarks , I must tell you that back in 1992 01:32:21,740 --> 01:32:24,660 December when I met what I now call 1993 01:32:24,660 --> 01:32:26,709 your crack team of Mr . Hume , 1994 01:32:27,930 --> 01:32:31,589 advisors . Uh , weaver and headset , 1995 01:32:32,069 --> 01:32:34,125 I thought we were going to be having 1996 01:32:34,125 --> 01:32:37,020 the usual committees and white papers . 1997 01:32:37,549 --> 01:32:40,189 So today having this meeting in such a 1998 01:32:40,189 --> 01:32:42,669 short time is very commendable and 1999 01:32:42,669 --> 01:32:44,391 especially in light of what is 2000 01:32:44,391 --> 01:32:47,109 happening all over the globe to see you 2001 01:32:47,109 --> 01:32:50,040 here . It conveys more than 2002 01:32:51,060 --> 01:32:53,060 anything that you could say of your 2003 01:32:53,060 --> 01:32:56,419 intention to be um to be serious about 2004 01:32:56,419 --> 01:32:59,100 the threats confronting our hemisphere . 2005 01:32:59,339 --> 01:33:02,959 Thank you . Uh , Jamaica and the 2006 01:33:02,959 --> 01:33:05,759 United States of America share a 2007 01:33:05,759 --> 01:33:08,200 special relationship characterized by 2008 01:33:08,200 --> 01:33:10,919 decades of strong bonds of friendship , 2009 01:33:11,399 --> 01:33:13,510 development , and trade cooperation . 2010 01:33:13,830 --> 01:33:15,441 This year our countries will 2011 01:33:15,441 --> 01:33:17,549 commemorate the 64 years since the 2012 01:33:17,549 --> 01:33:19,930 establishment of diplomatic relations . 2013 01:33:20,310 --> 01:33:22,509 Jamaica's participation in this 2014 01:33:22,509 --> 01:33:26,310 America's counter-cartel conference is 2015 01:33:26,310 --> 01:33:28,689 an extension of the strong relationship 2016 01:33:28,689 --> 01:33:30,930 that exists between the United States 2017 01:33:31,229 --> 01:33:34,600 and Jamaica . Transnational organized 2018 01:33:34,600 --> 01:33:36,822 crime poses one of the most significant 2019 01:33:36,822 --> 01:33:39,044 threats to Jamaica and the peace of our 2020 01:33:39,044 --> 01:33:42,379 citizens and visitors . These threats 2021 01:33:44,600 --> 01:33:46,560 threat actors leverage criminal 2022 01:33:46,560 --> 01:33:49,189 networks transcending national borders 2023 01:33:49,189 --> 01:33:51,022 with connecting nodes across the 2024 01:33:51,022 --> 01:33:53,279 Americas that extend even beyond the 2025 01:33:53,279 --> 01:33:55,879 Western Hemisphere . The vectors that 2026 01:33:55,879 --> 01:33:58,459 facilitate narcotics trafficking by 2027 01:33:58,459 --> 01:34:01,319 cartels and drug syndicates are the 2028 01:34:01,319 --> 01:34:03,152 essential elements that link the 2029 01:34:03,152 --> 01:34:04,986 movement of small arms and light 2030 01:34:04,986 --> 01:34:07,549 weapons , money laundering , and 2031 01:34:07,549 --> 01:34:09,560 trafficking of a range of other 2032 01:34:09,560 --> 01:34:13,370 contraband . Jamaica sees as crucial to 2033 01:34:13,370 --> 01:34:16,160 support a regional counter-narcotics 2034 01:34:16,160 --> 01:34:18,382 trust as a conscious recognition of the 2035 01:34:18,382 --> 01:34:20,490 dangers that transnational organized 2036 01:34:20,490 --> 01:34:23,430 crime groups bring to domestic security , 2037 01:34:23,770 --> 01:34:26,890 law enforcement , and peace . Annually , 2038 01:34:26,970 --> 01:34:28,970 Jamaica security forces seize high 2039 01:34:28,970 --> 01:34:31,589 volumes of cocaine . And in fact in 2040 01:34:31,589 --> 01:34:35,390 2025 alone , the security forces seized 2041 01:34:35,390 --> 01:34:37,950 over 1200 illegal weapons because of 2042 01:34:37,950 --> 01:34:40,830 the nexus between illicit drugs and 2043 01:34:40,830 --> 01:34:43,500 guns trade in the region . These 2044 01:34:43,500 --> 01:34:45,859 realities reflect a nexus between local 2045 01:34:45,859 --> 01:34:48,020 drug pushers and gangs with external 2046 01:34:48,020 --> 01:34:50,020 drug syndicates and transnational 2047 01:34:50,020 --> 01:34:52,419 organized crime groups which support 2048 01:34:52,419 --> 01:34:55,299 the fact that these networks do not 2049 01:34:55,299 --> 01:34:58,180 exist in a vacuum . Similarly , the 2050 01:34:58,180 --> 01:35:01,220 counter-cartel efforts by nation states 2051 01:35:01,220 --> 01:35:03,500 cannot take place in a vacuum . We 2052 01:35:03,500 --> 01:35:05,278 acknowledge that this must be a 2053 01:35:05,278 --> 01:35:07,939 collaborative effort , multi-agency and 2054 01:35:07,939 --> 01:35:11,620 across the wider region . So Jamaica's 2055 01:35:11,620 --> 01:35:13,676 again acknowledge the appreciation , 2056 01:35:13,676 --> 01:35:15,676 the support of the United States in 2057 01:35:16,259 --> 01:35:18,779 coming up with this coalition and also 2058 01:35:18,779 --> 01:35:21,259 in supporting our , our own plan Secure 2059 01:35:21,259 --> 01:35:24,290 Jamaica . Through tangible commitments 2060 01:35:24,290 --> 01:35:26,123 and collaboration with the USA , 2061 01:35:26,123 --> 01:35:28,410 Jamaica has been able to reduce murders 2062 01:35:28,410 --> 01:35:31,089 over the past year by over 40% , a 2063 01:35:31,089 --> 01:35:34,629 significant decline . And so before I 2064 01:35:34,629 --> 01:35:37,370 conclude , I want to take a special 2065 01:35:37,370 --> 01:35:39,149 moment as we're speaking about 2066 01:35:39,149 --> 01:35:41,629 appreciation to acknowledge . 2067 01:35:42,729 --> 01:35:45,830 Secretary , the support of the United 2068 01:35:45,830 --> 01:35:47,719 States and especially through the 2069 01:35:47,719 --> 01:35:51,270 Southern Command during our recent 2070 01:35:51,270 --> 01:35:54,450 Hurricane Melissa experience , over , 2071 01:35:54,520 --> 01:35:56,298 over a third of the country was 2072 01:35:56,298 --> 01:35:59,189 destroyed and when we needed a friend 2073 01:35:59,189 --> 01:36:01,189 to be there , the United States was 2074 01:36:01,189 --> 01:36:03,629 there . Your very quick action , your 2075 01:36:03,629 --> 01:36:05,790 mobilization of support saved many 2076 01:36:05,790 --> 01:36:08,540 lives , and we want to just take this 2077 01:36:08,540 --> 01:36:10,870 opportunity also to thank you for being 2078 01:36:10,870 --> 01:36:14,459 a friend . Not only on paper , but when 2079 01:36:14,459 --> 01:36:16,570 we needed you , you were there and we 2080 01:36:16,570 --> 01:36:19,140 are here to support what um what your 2081 01:36:19,140 --> 01:36:21,180 bigger purpose and vision for this 2082 01:36:21,180 --> 01:36:24,419 region . So in concluding , Jamaica 2083 01:36:24,419 --> 01:36:26,530 supports the expansion of cooperation 2084 01:36:26,530 --> 01:36:28,641 to enhance security in the Americas , 2085 01:36:28,859 --> 01:36:31,080 and we envision enhanced security 2086 01:36:31,339 --> 01:36:33,419 cooperation from member states on 2087 01:36:33,419 --> 01:36:35,859 countering the scourge of organized 2088 01:36:35,859 --> 01:36:38,390 crime . Mr . Secretary , we thank you . 2089 01:36:38,970 --> 01:36:41,319 And your team for this transformative 2090 01:36:41,319 --> 01:36:44,140 initiative , the Mercos Countercartel 2091 01:36:44,140 --> 01:36:46,196 Coalition , and we are happy to be a 2092 01:36:46,196 --> 01:36:47,584 part of it . Thank you . 2093 01:36:53,669 --> 01:36:55,891 Thank you , Ambassador Marks . Minister 2094 01:36:55,891 --> 01:36:58,113 Abrego of Panama , you have the floor . 2095 01:37:05,700 --> 01:37:08,109 Good morning Secretary Pete Peter Hess 2096 01:37:08,109 --> 01:37:10,060 and uh General Frank Donovan , 2097 01:37:10,459 --> 01:37:12,140 distinguished colleagues and 2098 01:37:12,140 --> 01:37:15,180 representatives . It's an honor to 2099 01:37:15,770 --> 01:37:18,149 refer myself to you in this 2100 01:37:18,629 --> 01:37:20,740 international conference , which also 2101 01:37:20,740 --> 01:37:23,790 reflects the fact that our current 2102 01:37:24,009 --> 01:37:27,290 challenges go beyond our borders and 2103 01:37:27,299 --> 01:37:29,850 and require our cooperation . The 2104 01:37:29,850 --> 01:37:32,209 convergence of convergence of leaders 2105 01:37:32,209 --> 01:37:34,320 and experts here shows that we have a 2106 01:37:34,320 --> 01:37:36,830 common vision . To strengthen 2107 01:37:37,009 --> 01:37:39,589 hemispheric cooperation , anticipate 2108 01:37:39,729 --> 01:37:42,240 emerging risks , and consolidate 2109 01:37:42,240 --> 01:37:45,209 capabilities that allow us to challenge 2110 01:37:45,209 --> 01:37:47,890 these international threats that impact 2111 01:37:47,890 --> 01:37:51,290 our stability and prosperity , we are 2112 01:37:51,290 --> 01:37:54,330 before or within a dynamic strategic 2113 01:37:54,330 --> 01:37:56,240 environment in which security is 2114 01:37:56,240 --> 01:37:58,649 interconnected and multi-dimensional . 2115 01:37:59,830 --> 01:38:03,220 So it requires more 2116 01:38:03,220 --> 01:38:06,660 interoperability , shared information , 2117 01:38:06,950 --> 01:38:08,629 and trust and and shared 2118 01:38:08,629 --> 01:38:11,589 responsibilities . Panama reaffirms its 2119 01:38:11,589 --> 01:38:15,180 commitment to act . Against all the 2120 01:38:15,180 --> 01:38:16,902 challenges in the hemisphere , 2121 01:38:17,339 --> 01:38:19,140 supporting all initiatives that 2122 01:38:19,140 --> 01:38:22,209 strengthen regional cooperation and 2123 01:38:22,419 --> 01:38:25,299 help growth and sustainable development 2124 01:38:25,299 --> 01:38:28,540 in our countries , I invite you so that 2125 01:38:28,540 --> 01:38:31,220 we have a frank , uh , dialogue in this 2126 01:38:31,220 --> 01:38:34,439 forum . We exchange best practices 2127 01:38:34,700 --> 01:38:38,350 and build concrete , uh , actions . 2128 01:38:38,620 --> 01:38:42,240 I wish we have a productive . Uh , 2129 01:38:42,819 --> 01:38:44,939 forum and that we get results . Thank 2130 01:38:44,939 --> 01:38:48,700 you . Thank you , 2131 01:38:48,779 --> 01:38:50,979 Minister Abrego . Minister Ramirez of 2132 01:38:50,979 --> 01:38:54,259 Paraguay , you have the floor . Good 2133 01:38:54,259 --> 01:38:56,500 morning . First of all , I would like 2134 01:38:56,500 --> 01:38:59,939 to thank Secretary of War , Pete . 2135 01:39:00,879 --> 01:39:04,779 Jesse , the South commander , Frank 2136 01:39:05,080 --> 01:39:08,439 Donovan , for combining and 2137 01:39:08,439 --> 01:39:10,529 organizing this important meeting . 2138 01:39:11,919 --> 01:39:15,479 You're also your team is 2139 01:39:15,479 --> 01:39:18,279 quite interesting coordinating all 2140 01:39:18,279 --> 01:39:20,501 those activities that we are developing 2141 01:39:20,501 --> 01:39:24,410 here . Dear ministers , uh , 2142 01:39:24,549 --> 01:39:26,689 authorities , colleagues , really , 2143 01:39:27,470 --> 01:39:29,589 Paraguay is here because we share 2144 01:39:29,859 --> 01:39:32,910 principles and values . And the 2145 01:39:32,910 --> 01:39:35,629 leadership of the United States on this 2146 01:39:35,629 --> 01:39:38,020 issue is quite important . Because 2147 01:39:38,029 --> 01:39:41,649 those values are freedom , democracy , 2148 01:39:41,910 --> 01:39:45,470 human rights , rule of law , and in God 2149 01:39:45,470 --> 01:39:46,490 we trust . 2150 01:39:48,770 --> 01:39:52,049 Paraguay appears also before this 2151 01:39:52,049 --> 01:39:55,830 conference with a clear conviction . 2152 01:39:56,370 --> 01:39:58,470 The fight against cartels and 2153 01:39:58,470 --> 01:40:00,689 transactional and transnational 2154 01:40:00,689 --> 01:40:03,370 organized crime is not only a security 2155 01:40:03,370 --> 01:40:06,890 priority , but also an essential 2156 01:40:06,890 --> 01:40:09,370 condition for development , democratic 2157 01:40:09,370 --> 01:40:12,470 stability , and the prosperity of our 2158 01:40:12,470 --> 01:40:15,709 nation . Under the leadership of 2159 01:40:15,709 --> 01:40:18,310 President Santiago Pena , Paraguay has 2160 01:40:18,310 --> 01:40:21,549 adopted a comprehensive and strategic 2161 01:40:21,549 --> 01:40:23,430 approach embodied in the 2162 01:40:23,430 --> 01:40:27,060 2023-2028 strategic 2163 01:40:27,390 --> 01:40:31,029 security plan which strengthen the 2164 01:40:31,029 --> 01:40:32,918 operation capacity of the state , 2165 01:40:32,918 --> 01:40:35,229 modernize our institution , and promote 2166 01:40:35,229 --> 01:40:37,990 effective interagency coordination 2167 01:40:37,990 --> 01:40:40,157 through the National Defense Council . 2168 01:40:41,250 --> 01:40:44,330 The results are tangible . We have 2169 01:40:44,330 --> 01:40:47,029 carried out large scale operations such 2170 01:40:47,029 --> 01:40:50,819 as Operation Ekul Guarani . Disrupting 2171 01:40:51,040 --> 01:40:53,669 drug trafficking , logistic networks , 2172 01:40:53,959 --> 01:40:57,040 seizing illicit drugs , weapons , and 2173 01:40:57,040 --> 01:40:59,600 assets , and finally weakening the 2174 01:40:59,600 --> 01:41:01,720 criminal organization . At the same 2175 01:41:01,720 --> 01:41:05,040 time , we have strengthened territorial 2176 01:41:05,040 --> 01:41:07,096 control , modernize our surveillance 2177 01:41:07,096 --> 01:41:09,080 system , and reinforce the state's 2178 01:41:09,080 --> 01:41:12,770 presence in vulnerable areas . Paraguay 2179 01:41:12,770 --> 01:41:15,759 has also deepened his bilateral and 2180 01:41:15,759 --> 01:41:18,270 regional cooperation , particularly 2181 01:41:18,490 --> 01:41:20,810 with the United States . We approved 2182 01:41:20,810 --> 01:41:22,643 yesterday in the Senate the SOFA 2183 01:41:22,643 --> 01:41:24,810 agreement with the United States , and 2184 01:41:24,810 --> 01:41:28,229 in the next week we have a law to start 2185 01:41:28,370 --> 01:41:30,729 or restart our bilateral cooperation 2186 01:41:30,729 --> 01:41:32,840 with the United States . But with our 2187 01:41:32,840 --> 01:41:36,169 neighborhood is very important also our 2188 01:41:36,169 --> 01:41:38,069 cooperation , um . 2189 01:41:40,850 --> 01:41:43,339 And a strategic partners recognizing 2190 01:41:43,649 --> 01:41:45,990 that no nation can face alone threats 2191 01:41:47,500 --> 01:41:49,620 that are transnational in nature . 2192 01:41:51,779 --> 01:41:54,279 Coordination in intelligence sharing , 2193 01:41:54,500 --> 01:41:56,500 joint operation , and institutional 2194 01:41:56,500 --> 01:42:00,319 strategy has been key to achieving 2195 01:42:00,700 --> 01:42:04,020 effective results . We also reaffirm 2196 01:42:04,020 --> 01:42:05,909 that security and development are 2197 01:42:05,909 --> 01:42:09,279 inseparable . Combating organized crime 2198 01:42:09,279 --> 01:42:12,259 requires not only operational fairness , 2199 01:42:12,680 --> 01:42:15,180 but also investment in strong 2200 01:42:15,229 --> 01:42:17,451 institutions , economic opportunities , 2201 01:42:17,640 --> 01:42:21,259 and social cohesion . Paraguay remains 2202 01:42:21,259 --> 01:42:24,660 committed to a hemispheric response 2203 01:42:24,779 --> 01:42:27,160 granted in shared responsibility , 2204 01:42:27,500 --> 01:42:29,819 mutual trust and respect for 2205 01:42:29,819 --> 01:42:32,959 sovereignty . Only through sustained 2206 01:42:33,259 --> 01:42:35,810 strategy and collective action , will 2207 01:42:35,810 --> 01:42:39,259 we be able to protect our society to 2208 01:42:39,259 --> 01:42:43,060 ensure a safer future for the 2209 01:42:43,060 --> 01:42:44,799 Americas . Thank you so much . 2210 01:42:51,419 --> 01:42:53,641 Thank you , Minister Ramirez . Minister 2211 01:42:53,641 --> 01:42:55,752 Arroyo of Peru , you have the floor . 2212 01:43:02,430 --> 01:43:06,419 Senor Pete Mr . Pete 2213 01:43:06,419 --> 01:43:08,899 Hexeth , Secretary of War of the United 2214 01:43:08,899 --> 01:43:10,700 States of America . General 2215 01:43:13,299 --> 01:43:15,729 Francis Donovan , commander of Southcom 2216 01:43:15,729 --> 01:43:19,439 of the United States of America , uh , 2217 01:43:19,959 --> 01:43:22,450 ladies and gentlemen , ministers of 2218 01:43:22,450 --> 01:43:24,850 defense of the , of our countries of 2219 01:43:24,850 --> 01:43:27,229 America , ladies and gentlemen , 2220 01:43:28,009 --> 01:43:31,549 members of different delegations of 2221 01:43:31,569 --> 01:43:35,250 American countries , may you all have 2222 01:43:35,250 --> 01:43:39,049 a , a very good day . It's an honor for 2223 01:43:39,049 --> 01:43:42,740 me . To be able to address you 2224 01:43:42,740 --> 01:43:45,810 all and express that Peru is thankful 2225 01:43:45,810 --> 01:43:47,754 for the invitation that the United 2226 01:43:47,754 --> 01:43:50,299 States of America did to participate in 2227 01:43:50,299 --> 01:43:53,160 this first conference of the Americas 2228 01:43:53,979 --> 01:43:57,879 against cartels . My country 2229 01:43:58,299 --> 01:44:00,689 values this . Important initiative 2230 01:44:01,229 --> 01:44:03,830 which will contribute to reinforce 2231 01:44:03,830 --> 01:44:07,669 regional cooperation to counter in 2232 01:44:07,669 --> 01:44:10,830 a coordinated way current threats which 2233 01:44:10,830 --> 01:44:13,629 compromise the security , the stability , 2234 01:44:13,910 --> 01:44:16,390 and the development of the American 2235 01:44:16,390 --> 01:44:20,029 hemisphere . Peru gives priority to 2236 01:44:20,029 --> 01:44:22,310 the solid relationship that it 2237 01:44:22,310 --> 01:44:24,959 maintains with the United States . In 2238 01:44:24,959 --> 01:44:27,399 matters of security and defense , this 2239 01:44:27,399 --> 01:44:30,200 is a priority that strengthens day to 2240 01:44:30,200 --> 01:44:32,439 day . Peru 2241 01:44:33,959 --> 01:44:37,339 is firmly committed with 2242 01:44:37,959 --> 01:44:40,580 the fight against transnational 2243 01:44:40,839 --> 01:44:42,783 criminal organizations . This is a 2244 01:44:42,783 --> 01:44:44,580 complex phenomenon and its 2245 01:44:44,580 --> 01:44:47,060 multi-dimensional drug trafficking . 2246 01:44:48,095 --> 01:44:51,055 Narco-terrorism , uh , weapons , 2247 01:44:51,134 --> 01:44:54,395 illicit traffic , human 2248 01:44:55,174 --> 01:44:58,384 slavery , illegal mining 2249 01:44:58,535 --> 01:45:01,734 operate with structures that transcend 2250 01:45:01,734 --> 01:45:03,895 borders . They use emerging 2251 01:45:03,895 --> 01:45:06,174 technologies and they seek to 2252 01:45:06,174 --> 01:45:08,814 debilitate democratic institutionality . 2253 01:45:09,134 --> 01:45:12,770 These threats . Project simultaneously 2254 01:45:12,950 --> 01:45:16,390 in land , maritime , air , and 2255 01:45:16,390 --> 01:45:19,950 cyber domains , and this requires 2256 01:45:19,950 --> 01:45:22,430 integral and coordinated responses . 2257 01:45:23,290 --> 01:45:26,089 For Peru , the fight against drug 2258 01:45:26,089 --> 01:45:29,410 trafficking constitutes a strategic 2259 01:45:29,410 --> 01:45:32,810 priority . As since we're one of 2260 01:45:32,810 --> 01:45:36,209 the biggest world producers of , of 2261 01:45:36,209 --> 01:45:39,009 coca leaf and cocaine , we have the 2262 01:45:39,009 --> 01:45:41,890 impact of these illicit economies 2263 01:45:41,890 --> 01:45:44,680 against public safety , the environment , 2264 01:45:44,729 --> 01:45:47,370 and the most vulnerable populations . 2265 01:45:47,600 --> 01:45:51,334 Our historic . Experience has shown the 2266 01:45:51,334 --> 01:45:55,325 strict uh uh the the the way 2267 01:45:55,325 --> 01:45:57,575 that terrorism and drug trafficking 2268 01:45:57,575 --> 01:46:00,254 work together . We also recognize that 2269 01:46:00,254 --> 01:46:03,774 cybercrime constitutes a transnational 2270 01:46:03,774 --> 01:46:06,254 threat which can only be confronted 2271 01:46:06,654 --> 01:46:10,645 with sustained cooperation and 2272 01:46:10,645 --> 01:46:13,015 international effective mechanisms . 2273 01:46:13,415 --> 01:46:16,055 Peru has worked actively in negotiating 2274 01:46:16,055 --> 01:46:18,549 a subscription . The UN 2275 01:46:19,500 --> 01:46:22,390 Convention Against Cyber Crime 2276 01:46:23,850 --> 01:46:26,209 and therefore committing to preventing 2277 01:46:26,209 --> 01:46:29,410 and sanctioning these conducts as well 2278 01:46:29,410 --> 01:46:31,770 as strengthening the mechanisms of 2279 01:46:31,770 --> 01:46:35,160 international cooperation against 2280 01:46:35,160 --> 01:46:37,419 emerging digital threats . Uh , 2281 01:46:40,009 --> 01:46:43,439 with this strategic environment , the , 2282 01:46:43,529 --> 01:46:46,129 we need to be more have more 2283 01:46:46,129 --> 01:46:48,850 interoperability , exchange information , 2284 01:46:50,689 --> 01:46:53,049 make improve our capabilities , and 2285 01:46:53,049 --> 01:46:55,290 have mutual trust and respect to the 2286 01:46:55,290 --> 01:46:57,729 sovereignty of states , and I just want 2287 01:46:57,729 --> 01:47:00,569 to end telling you that we reaffirm our 2288 01:47:00,569 --> 01:47:04,169 commitment with a coordinated action 2289 01:47:04,169 --> 01:47:06,979 which will permit . Uh , preserve 2290 01:47:06,979 --> 01:47:10,600 regional stability and guarantee a more 2291 01:47:10,600 --> 01:47:13,200 stable and prosperous hemisphere for 2292 01:47:13,200 --> 01:47:14,644 our nations . Thank you . 2293 01:47:18,540 --> 01:47:20,707 Thank you , Minister Arroyo . Minister 2294 01:47:20,707 --> 01:47:22,707 Sturge of Trinidad and Tobago , you 2295 01:47:22,707 --> 01:47:25,140 have the floor . Thank you . 2296 01:47:26,240 --> 01:47:29,839 Secretary exit . General Donovan . 2297 01:47:30,589 --> 01:47:33,779 Thank you . I would first like to bring 2298 01:47:33,779 --> 01:47:35,839 greetings from the Prime Minister of 2299 01:47:35,839 --> 01:47:37,839 Trinidad and Tobago , the Honorable 2300 01:47:37,839 --> 01:47:40,680 Kamala Prasad-Bissa , and thank you for 2301 01:47:40,680 --> 01:47:43,379 the invitation you have extended to us 2302 01:47:43,379 --> 01:47:46,950 to attend this counter-cartel 2303 01:47:46,950 --> 01:47:50,020 conference . We appreciate the 2304 01:47:50,020 --> 01:47:52,290 solemnity of the occasion and we are 2305 01:47:52,290 --> 01:47:55,370 grateful for it . For many years , 2306 01:47:55,500 --> 01:47:57,629 Trinidad and Tobago's geopolitical 2307 01:47:57,629 --> 01:48:01,149 position was a blessing as a gre 2308 01:48:01,149 --> 01:48:03,700 connecting South America to the 2309 01:48:03,700 --> 01:48:06,339 Caribbean and beyond . But that 2310 01:48:06,339 --> 01:48:10,220 blessing has become a burden , as 2311 01:48:10,220 --> 01:48:12,970 in recent times we found ourselves at 2312 01:48:12,970 --> 01:48:16,410 the mercy of powerful drug cartels and 2313 01:48:16,410 --> 01:48:19,379 criminal networks engaged in narco 2314 01:48:19,379 --> 01:48:22,000 trafficking , firearms trafficking , 2315 01:48:22,220 --> 01:48:25,580 and human trafficking . Trinidad and 2316 01:48:25,580 --> 01:48:27,970 Tobago stands with the United States 2317 01:48:27,970 --> 01:48:31,029 and all partners in confronting these 2318 01:48:31,029 --> 01:48:34,410 cartels and transnational criminal 2319 01:48:34,410 --> 01:48:36,850 organizations in our neck of the woods . 2320 01:48:37,799 --> 01:48:40,810 We are not observers in this fight . We 2321 01:48:40,810 --> 01:48:43,799 are on the front line with you . We 2322 01:48:43,799 --> 01:48:46,209 have lost law enforcement officers in 2323 01:48:46,209 --> 01:48:48,250 this fight , including one of our 2324 01:48:48,250 --> 01:48:51,279 sailors during the interception of a 2325 01:48:51,279 --> 01:48:54,290 semi-submersible which was transporting 2326 01:48:54,490 --> 01:48:56,919 a couple of tons of cocaine . We have 2327 01:48:56,919 --> 01:49:00,000 lost thousands of citizens over the 2328 01:49:00,000 --> 01:49:03,000 last two decades to violent crime 2329 01:49:03,200 --> 01:49:05,870 fueled mainly by the actions of the new 2330 01:49:05,870 --> 01:49:09,259 narco-terror networks . But our 2331 01:49:09,259 --> 01:49:11,339 economic fortunes have changed , 2332 01:49:12,100 --> 01:49:14,089 subjecting us to severe structural 2333 01:49:14,089 --> 01:49:17,259 constraints which hinder us from 2334 01:49:17,259 --> 01:49:20,220 delivering the appropriate level of 2335 01:49:20,220 --> 01:49:23,080 border security needed . Because we 2336 01:49:23,080 --> 01:49:25,270 once classified as high income earning 2337 01:49:25,270 --> 01:49:27,520 and because of our GDP , that 2338 01:49:27,520 --> 01:49:30,370 classification turns out to not be 2339 01:49:30,370 --> 01:49:33,049 strategically misleading and thus 2340 01:49:33,049 --> 01:49:36,609 limits our ability to access critical 2341 01:49:36,609 --> 01:49:38,810 security assistance , donations of 2342 01:49:38,810 --> 01:49:41,810 equipment , and other resources . This 2343 01:49:41,810 --> 01:49:43,830 at a time when our borders are 2344 01:49:44,089 --> 01:49:47,169 critically exposed , leaving us at a 2345 01:49:47,169 --> 01:49:50,080 critical disadvantage as we face off 2346 01:49:50,080 --> 01:49:53,620 with sophisticated . And well-financed 2347 01:49:53,620 --> 01:49:56,379 narco traffickers who move their goods 2348 01:49:56,379 --> 01:49:59,919 northwards into your neighborhoods and 2349 01:49:59,919 --> 01:50:03,060 onto your streets , into your homes and 2350 01:50:03,060 --> 01:50:06,810 bringing destruction to your youth . If 2351 01:50:06,810 --> 01:50:10,129 we are to deliver effectively as the 2352 01:50:10,129 --> 01:50:11,970 security anchor in the southern 2353 01:50:11,970 --> 01:50:14,609 Caribbean , we require assets that 2354 01:50:14,609 --> 01:50:17,290 would equip us with the capability to 2355 01:50:17,290 --> 01:50:19,609 disrupt the cartels in the 2356 01:50:19,609 --> 01:50:22,169 transshipment corridors and to protect 2357 01:50:22,169 --> 01:50:25,399 our shared economic interests in the 2358 01:50:25,399 --> 01:50:27,890 energy sector . Every shipment 2359 01:50:27,890 --> 01:50:30,919 intercepted in our waters is one that 2360 01:50:30,919 --> 01:50:33,509 would never reach your streets . Again , 2361 01:50:34,410 --> 01:50:37,970 permit me to underscore our commitment 2362 01:50:37,970 --> 01:50:40,609 that we stand ready . Our personnel are 2363 01:50:40,609 --> 01:50:43,850 highly trained and our doctrine aligns 2364 01:50:43,850 --> 01:50:46,629 with yours . We require assets in the 2365 01:50:46,629 --> 01:50:49,790 interim that will enhance our maritime 2366 01:50:49,790 --> 01:50:53,089 domain awareness as well as enable us 2367 01:50:53,089 --> 01:50:55,709 to carry out targeted reinforcement . 2368 01:50:55,970 --> 01:50:58,529 That would serve both our interests and 2369 01:50:58,529 --> 01:51:01,160 would deliver immediate hemispheric 2370 01:51:01,160 --> 01:51:04,290 benefits . Our government is dedicated 2371 01:51:04,290 --> 01:51:05,734 and ready to shoulder all 2372 01:51:05,734 --> 01:51:09,649 responsibility and once proportionally 2373 01:51:09,649 --> 01:51:11,850 equipped to the expectations placed 2374 01:51:12,089 --> 01:51:15,479 upon us , we will deliver results . 2375 01:51:15,890 --> 01:51:16,890 I thank you . 2376 01:51:23,890 --> 01:51:25,890 Thank you Minister Sturge . At this 2377 01:51:25,890 --> 01:51:28,049 time , Secretary Hegseth invites all 2378 01:51:28,049 --> 01:51:30,216 heads of delegation to join him at the 2379 01:51:30,216 --> 01:51:32,160 table for the signing of the Joint 2380 01:51:32,160 --> 01:51:35,689 Security Declaration . Excuse me , 2381 01:51:36,799 --> 01:51:37,799 Thank you . 2382 01:51:45,120 --> 01:51:46,120 Because this . 2383 01:51:52,859 --> 01:51:53,859 I . 2384 01:52:00,729 --> 01:52:01,149 Yeah 2385 01:52:07,819 --> 01:52:08,875 to take a seat . . 2386 01:52:33,790 --> 01:52:35,123 Everybody . All right . 2387 01:52:43,419 --> 01:52:44,419 So 2388 01:52:51,979 --> 01:52:54,035 I'm the only one that needed to sign 2389 01:52:54,035 --> 01:52:57,459 because Everyone else already has . So 2390 01:52:57,459 --> 01:52:58,515 here you have it . 2391 01:53:09,790 --> 01:53:11,790 America's counter cartel conference 2392 01:53:11,790 --> 01:53:15,189 joint security declaration . Affirming 2393 01:53:15,189 --> 01:53:17,910 our relationships , respecting 2394 01:53:17,910 --> 01:53:20,132 sovereignty , recognizing the strategic 2395 01:53:20,132 --> 01:53:22,589 importance of this hemisphere , and 2396 01:53:22,589 --> 01:53:25,029 declaring our intent to expand 2397 01:53:25,029 --> 01:53:27,196 multilateral and bilateral cooperation 2398 01:53:27,196 --> 01:53:29,418 to enhance security in the hemisphere , 2399 01:53:29,418 --> 01:53:31,589 to cooperate on whole of government 2400 01:53:31,589 --> 01:53:33,811 efforts on border security , countering 2401 01:53:33,811 --> 01:53:35,700 narco-terrorism and trafficking , 2402 01:53:35,700 --> 01:53:37,867 securing critical infrastructure . And 2403 01:53:37,867 --> 01:53:39,589 other areas to be determined . 2404 01:53:39,589 --> 01:53:41,700 Advancing peace through strength , as 2405 01:53:41,700 --> 01:53:43,589 was so eloquently said by so many 2406 01:53:43,589 --> 01:53:45,700 speakers here , it means something to 2407 01:53:45,700 --> 01:53:47,756 address future threats to our mutual 2408 01:53:47,756 --> 01:53:50,000 interest and join together to combat 2409 01:53:50,000 --> 01:53:51,833 narco-terrorism and other shared 2410 01:53:51,833 --> 01:53:53,833 threats in the Western Hemisphere . 2411 01:53:53,930 --> 01:53:56,152 Signed March 5th , the year of our Lord 2412 01:53:56,152 --> 01:53:59,729 2026 in English and Spanish . How about 2413 01:53:59,729 --> 01:54:00,729 that ? 2414 01:54:03,790 --> 01:54:03,810 Thank you .