El Salvador and U.S. strengthen bilateral relations

Nayib Bukele received Philip Gordon, advisor to Kamala Harris. They discussed, among other issues, the elimination of gangs, migration, and investment attraction.

The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, received the visit of Philip Gordon, Homeland Security advisor to the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, to address migration issues and the fight against terrorist groups, which the Government of Joe Biden describes as “ruthless gangs”.

The authorities informed that during the meeting, issues of interest for both countries were discussed, such as progress in the dismantling of gangs, attracting more investment, and key aspects regarding the future of El Salvador. The US advisor described the meeting with the head of state as “constructive”.

“Constructive conversation with President Nayib Bukele on the future of El Salvador. We discussed the importance of the rule of law and due process, fostering conditions to attract foreign investment, cooperation on migration and law enforcement, and other matters of mutual interest,” Gordon posted on the X network.

FIGHT AGAINST GANGS

In the framework of Gordon’s visit to El Salvador, the U.S. embassy highlighted that the governments of El Salvador and the North American nation have worked collaboratively in law enforcement efforts to resolve emblematic cases for the dismantling of terrorist groups.

“The governments of El Salvador and the United States have worked collaboratively on law enforcement efforts to resolve emblematic cases crucial to the dismantling of ruthless gangs. This strong bilateral relationship contributes significantly to the security of the entire region. Together we are stronger,” the embassy stated.

Like the United States, since 2015, El Salvador’s Supreme Court has declared the Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs terrorist groups. An important case in the joint fight occurred in early November, when Élmer Canales Rivera, alias Crook, who was wanted by the US for terrorism offenses, was captured in Mexico and has since been extradited. According to the US, the national gang to which Crook belongs directed the expansion of MS-13 activities in the US, Mexico, and other countries.

According to a document from the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, “in Mexico, MS-13 leaders established connections to obtain narcotics and firearms, did business with Mexican drug cartels such as the Zetas, the Gulf Cartel, the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation, and the Sinaloa Cartel, and engaged in human trafficking and smuggling.”

The report adds that “In August 2019, Attorney General William P. Barr created the JTFV to carry out the recommendations of the MS-13 Subcommittee, formed under the Attorney General’s Task Force on Transnational Organized Crime. The Attorney General’s Task Force was the result of President Donald J. Trump in February 2017, which directed the Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, such as MS-13, and enhance the safety and security of the American people.”

Source: Diario El Salvador.