The presidents of Mexico and Guatemala have agreed to increase cooperation to strengthen border security and combat transnational organized crime, and to improve the security of migrants in the region.
On an official state visit to Mexico, Guatemala's president, Alvaro Colom, signed an agreement with his Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderon, which will see the two nations working together to increase security along the 540 mile border that they share.
According to a joint statement, the leaders also agreed to intensify the exchange of intelligence information, to conduct joint operations against drug trafficking, human trafficking and the kidnapping and extortion of migrants in their respective territories.
The Mexican government reiterated its commitment to ensure the safety of Guatemalan migrants within its borders.
Colon said “the fight against crime will not be successful if there is division," while Felipe Calderon agreed that both nations have ”an obligation to fight transnational organized crime.”
As InSight Crime has reported, Mexican criminal gangs have been increasing their activities in Guatemala in recent years.
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