From October 13-16, 2024, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro led the United States delegation to the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), held in Mendoza, Argentina. The U.S. delegation included senior officials from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, as well as representatives from U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Northern Command. The CDMA, a major defense forum in the Western Hemisphere, brought together top security and defense officials from across the Americas to discuss shared challenges and build strong regional partnerships.
The conference focused on important topics such as the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in defense, and climate and environmental challenges from a defense perspective. Secretary Del Toro’s participation in the event highlighted the U.S. commitment to working closely with partner nations to address these critical issues.
Key Bilateral Meetings to Strengthen Defense Ties
During the conference, Secretary Del Toro held bilateral meetings with defense leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. These discussions centered on strengthening cooperation in key areas. Such as peacekeeping operations, cybersecurity, and countering transnational criminal organizations. Each meeting underscored the importance of U.S. partnerships in maintaining security and stability throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Argentina: Reaffirming a Strong Defense Partnership
Secretary Del Toro met with Argentina’s Minister of Defense, Jorge Taiana Petri, to reaffirm the strong defense relationship between the U.S. and Argentina. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas such as Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and peacekeeping operations. Del Toro thanked Argentina for hosting the XVI CDMA and for its contributions to global security.
Argentina has been a valuable partner in international peacekeeping efforts, and the two leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation in this area. They also explored opportunities to work together on environmental challenges and the use of AI in defense. Both sides recognized the importance of working together to address these complex global issues.
Brazil: Expanding Cooperation in Emerging Defense Areas
Secretary Del Toro also held talks with Brazil’s Minister of Defense, José Múcio. The two leaders discussed deepening cooperation in emerging defense areas such as cyber, space, and special operations. They also explored opportunities to enhance military-to-military activities in the South Atlantic, a region of growing strategic importance.
One of the key topics discussed was the U.S.-Brazil Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement, which is close to being finalized. This agreement will make it easier for the two countries to collaborate on defense technologies and strengthen their defense industrial base cooperation. Both sides recognized the significant progress made in defense cooperation and committed to expanding these efforts in the future.
Colombia: Tackling Regional Security Challenges
In a meeting with Colombia’s Vice Minister of Defense, Ricardo Suárez, Secretary Del Toro discussed the strong defense relationship between the U.S. and Colombia. The two leaders focused on emerging challenges such as countering unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), responding to climate change, and supporting special operations forces.
The discussions also addressed the ongoing efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), which pose a significant threat to regional security. Both nations have worked closely together to combat the illegal activities of TCOs, and the meeting reinforced their commitment to continuing these efforts. Secretary Del Toro praised Colombia’s contributions to regional security and pledged continued U.S. support for Colombia’s defense initiatives.
Peru: Strengthening Security Cooperation
Secretary Del Toro’s meeting with Peru’s Minister of Defense, Jorge Astudillo, focused on strengthening the U.S.-Peru bilateral defense relationship. The discussions highlighted cooperation in areas such as security operations and efforts to counter transnational criminal organizations. Secretary Del Toro commended Peru for its recent progress in lifting restrictions on aerial interdiction, a key step in enhancing Peru’s ability to combat illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
Both leaders agreed to continue working closely on security cooperation, with a focus on protecting the region from the threat of organized crime. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Peru in its efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and improve regional security.
The United States Proposes to Host CDMA in 2028
At the conclusion of the conference, the defense ministers from the participating nations endorsed the United States’ proposal to host the XVIII Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in 2028. This proposal demonstrates the U.S.’s ongoing commitment to leading regional defense efforts and fostering collaboration among nations in the Western Hemisphere.
Hosting the CDMA will provide the U.S. with an opportunity to continue building strong partnerships with nations throughout the Americas. The event will serve as a platform to address emerging defense challenges. And promote innovation, and advance shared security goals.
Addressing Key Issues: Artificial Intelligence and Climate Challenges
This year’s CDMA featured important discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in defense. As AI technology continues to evolve, defense leaders are focused on ensuring that it is used ethically and effectively to enhance security while minimizing risks. The U.S. and its regional partners explored ways to integrate AI into military operations. Particularly in areas such as surveillance, cyber defense, and decision-making processes.
Another key topic at the conference was the impact of climate change on security. Defense leaders from across the Americas discussed how rising sea levels, extreme weather events. Along with other environmental challenges are affecting military operations and national security. The U.S. delegation emphasized the importance of working together. In order to develop strategies for mitigating these risks and improving disaster response capabilities.
Building a Stronger Defense Community in the Americas
The XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas demonstrated the importance of collaboration among nations in the Western Hemisphere. Through bilateral meetings and discussions, the U.S. and its partners strengthened their defense ties. And made progress on key issues such as peacekeeping, cybersecurity, and countering transnational crime.
Secretary Del Toro’s leadership at the conference underscored the U.S. commitment to supporting regional security and addressing shared challenges. As the U.S. prepares to host the XVIII CDMA in 2028. It will continue to work closely with its allies and partners to build a safer, more secure hemisphere for all.
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