The accord was reached as the United States works to re-engage Latin America, a region that has at times complained of being neglected over the past decade as Washington fought wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The principle thrust of our defence strategy, our new defence strategy, is aimed at reaching out and developing partnerships and alliances throughout the world and particularly in this region,” US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said yesterday after meeting Peruvian President Ollanta Humala and his defence minister.
Panetta said US strategy was not aimed at establishing bases on foreign soil but at helping countries in the region develop capabilities to provide security for their citizens.
Washington is especially worried about drug trafficking and violence in Mexico and Central America, and cocaine production and rebel groups in Peru and Colombia.
“The United States is part of the family of the Americas and we face some common challenges. We face the challenge of terrorism, we face the challenge of drug trafficking,” Panetta said on the first stop of a Latin American tour that will also take him to a regional meeting of defense ministers in Uruguay.
