Today, on September 20, 2019, United States Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan and El Salvador Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco, representing the President Donald Trump and President Nayib Bukele, are signing an agreement on bilateral cooperation regarding protection requests.

Both governments are committed to addressing the issue of migration in a joint and humane way, so that it contributes to improving the prosperity and security of the region. This agreement is part of an integrated strategy to combat organized crime, strengthen border security and reduce illegal trafficking and human trafficking, as well as forced migration. This agreement is a bilateral effort to provide physical protection and avoid the dangers of irregular migration.

Signed today in Washington, D.C., this document ratified the letter of intent signed in San Salvador on August 28.

Both governments will continue to maintain high-level dialogue so that El Salvador becomes a prosperous and safe country, and be the model of a best practice for the region. The United States government is committed to continue exploring possibilities to deepen security cooperation, creating legal employment opportunities in the United States, and promoting investment and economic growth in El Salvador. The Salvadoran government is committed to continue strengthening security, health, education and employment to improve the quality of life of Salvadorans.