The governments of the Republic of Cuba and the United States of America signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in law enforcement this Monday, January 16, in Havana, which will promote and expand bilateral ties in important areas to the national security of both countries.

The parties agreed to increase coordination for the prevention and combating of terrorist acts; drug trafficking; crimes committed through the use of information and communication technologies, and cyber security issues of mutual interest; trafficking in persons; migrant smuggling; flora and fauna trafficking; money laundering; the falsification of identity and travel documents; contraband, including firearms, their parts, components, ammunition, explosives, cash and monetary instruments; among other crimes under the jurisdiction of the two countries.

The Memorandum was signed by Vice-Admiral Julio César Gandarilla Bermejo, Interior Minister of the Republic of Cuba, and Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana.

The signing ceremony was attended by U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamin Rhodes, who is currently on an official visit to the island, as well as representatives of the Defense and National Security Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.