The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Martínez and Minister of Defense General Henry Saenz.  They discussed ongoing cooperation to combat narco-trafficking and transnational criminal organizations, building on Guatemala’s participation in the March 5 Americas Counter Cartel Conference at U.S. Southern Command.  

Deputy Secretary Landau expressed appreciation for Guatemala’s effective response to recent gang-related violence, congratulated Guatemala on its efforts toward creating its first centralized targeting center, and welcomed efforts on reforms to modernize port security and cooperate on countering illegal immigration.  Deputy Secretary Landau highlighted Guatemala’s important role in regional efforts to promote stability in Haiti and thanked Guatemala for its contribution to the Gang Suppression Force.  Both sides affirmed the importance of strong democratic institutions and reiterated their commitment to work together to advance security, prosperity, and the rule of law for the people of both countries.