Rubio tour produced Colombia minerals pact, Ecuador terror designation
Fujimori, speaking at a joint news conference with Rubio in Lima, framed Peru’s entry into the coalition as a response to criminal groups that no longer respect national borders. “Those of us who have had to confront terrorism know how difficult it is now to confront criminal activity that does not respect borders,” she said. “That is why it is necessary to unite our efforts with other countries.”
Fujimori said Peru would act “with all the powers granted to us by law and the Constitution.” Her government previously said U.S. cooperation could include intelligence sharing, cybersecurity and logistical and operational support against drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking.
The Shield of the Americas was established during a March 7 summit hosted by President Donald Trump at his Doral, Florida golf resort. A White House proclamation calls for participating countries to coordinate efforts to deprive cartels of territory, financing and resources and says the United States will train and mobilize partner militaries.
Rubio said criminal organizations that once operated primarily within individual countries have developed cross-border financial and logistical networks. “It is a criminal infrastructure that is trying to take control of the hemisphere, and that cannot be allowed,” Rubio said. “The only way to defeat it is to confront it forcefully.”
Fujimori also reiterated that the 1,000-bed USNS Comfort hospital ship will be deployed to Peru’s northern coast in February to assist communities affected by the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon. The deployment was first announced by U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro in August.
She said Peru is already receiving assistance from U.S. Southern Command, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies. Fujimori and Rubio also discussed education, infrastructure investment and bilateral trade during the Lima meeting.
Rubio’s stop in Peru concluded a three-country trip that began Tuesday in Colombia, where President Abelardo De La Espriella confirmed the country’s participation in the Shield of the Americas and announced that Medellín would host one of the coalition’s operational headquarters. Colombia and the United States also signed agreements covering critical minerals and peaceful civilian nuclear energy. According to the Colombian Foreign Ministry, the minerals agreement includes cooperation on mining, processing, geological mapping, recycling and joint project financing.
In Ecuador on Wednesday, Rubio announced plans to seek $45 million in additional U.S. security funding and $10 million to combat illegal mining. He also announced the transfer of five interceptor boats and a 110-foot former U.S. Coast Guard cutter. The State Department separately designated Los Tiguerones, an Ecuador-based gang linked to drug trafficking and attacks on civilians, as a foreign terrorist organization and specially designated global terrorist.