For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— Yesterday, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson met with Chilean Minister of Interior Jorge Burgos to discuss progress on a number of shared security and travel facilitation issues.
During the meeting, Secretary Johnson and Minister Burgos discussed next steps to ensure secure, visa-free travel between the United States and Chile. In 2014, Chile joined the Visa Waiver Program, which is a robust security partnership that facilitates lawful trade and travel with our most trusted allies. Secretary Johnson reiterated the Administration’s acceleration of diplomatic engagements with countries in the Visa Waiver Program, to emphasize the need to raise security cooperation in light of the threat posed by ISIL, and offer the full range of U.S. Government capabilities to interested Visa Waiver Program countries hoping to improve their own security capabilities.
He underscored the importance of rapidly implementing the new security enhancements to the program introduced in August 2015. These enhancements include requirements for E-Passports, the use of INTERPOL’s screening capabilities, and more robust implementation of the information sharing agreements required under the Visa Waiver Program. Secretary Johnson and Minister Burgos noted their intent to work together to develop Chile’s capabilities to screen passengers in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 and outlined a path forward to continue cooperation in this area in the coming months.
The two sides also affirmed the importance of continued joint efforts in other areas such as law enforcement and cybersecurity. Secretary Johnson and Minister Burgos reiterated their commitment to promoting information sharing between the two countries’ law enforcement agencies. Both sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation and information sharing on cybersecurity.
Secretary Johnson is joined by (from left to right) DHS Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Chief Diplomatic Officer Alan Bersin, Chilean Ambassador to the United States Juan Gabriel Valdes, and Chilean Minister of the Interior Jorge Burgos to discuss progress on a number of shared security and travel facilitation issues. (DHS Photo/Barry Bahler)
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