00:30 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jul. 11.
Defense ministers and representatives from 33 countries across the continent signed the Cusco Declaration, the final document of the
17th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CMDA), reaffirming their commitment to strengthening hemispheric cooperation to address common threats and enhancing regional coordination on defense matters.
The Cusco Declaration sets out the main agreements, understandings, and commitments reached during the conference held in the city of Cusco.
Among its key points is the strengthening of cooperation to combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, illicit economies, and other emerging threats.
The participating countries agreed to promote information sharing, strengthen institutional capacities, encourage coordinated operations, and enhance border security while respecting the sovereignty and legal framework of each State.
The document also underscores the continued regional cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response through the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and interoperability.
In this regard, it recognizes the holding of the Mecodex 2025 and 2026 exercises, as well as the regional cyber defense exercise, as mechanisms to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and mutual trust among the participating countries.
Closing ceremony
At the closing ceremony on Friday, Peruvian Defense Minister and 17th CMDA Pro-Tempore President, Amadeo Flores, said the conference had enabled "a frank, respectful, and results-oriented dialogue."
Likewise, the Cabinet member stressed that hemispheric defense requires trust, cooperation, and a shared vision.
"The exchanges held during this conference confirm that defense cooperation is most effective when it is based on transparency, good faith, and the recognition of common interests," Flores noted.
"That is the path we must preserve, and the agreements adopted demonstrate the results," he added.
He highlighted the beginning of a new phase aimed at turning the commitments reached into concrete actions to strengthen hemispheric defense.
(END) NDP/ETA/HTC/MVB
Published: 7/11/2026