For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson met with French Minister of Interior Bernard Cazeneuve to discuss cooperation on a number of shared security-related issues, including law enforcement collaboration, border security, and information sharing to enhance counterterrorism efforts.
Secretary Johnson and Minister Cazeneuve discussed the European migration crisis and the importance of effective information sharing in the aftermath of the tragic terrorist incidents in Paris on November 13, 2015. They focused on opportunities for the United States and France to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and the screening of travelers and migrants. Secretary Johnson and Minister Cazeneuve also discussed the progress of European efforts to strengthen immigration and security controls on the Schengen Zone’s external borders and to collect and analyze Passenger Name Records for flights to and within the European Union.
During today’s meeting, Secretary Johnson and Minister Cazeneuve addressed efforts to facilitate legitimate trade and travel. Secretary Johnson thanked Minister Cazeneuve for the ratification of the Preventing and Combating Serious Crime (PCSC) Agreement and on the progress that is being made on the implementation of the new legislative and policy requirements of the Visa Waiver Program.
Secretary Johnson and Minister Cazeneuve continued the dialogue between the United States and France on opportunities for law enforcement collaboration, including closer cooperation between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its French counterparts. Secretary Johnson underscored that the Department of Homeland Security remains committed to routinely sharing information with international law enforcement and our intelligence and homeland security partners to ensure our collective security.
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