The Belize Coast Guard is reporting that the militaries of Belize and Mexico completed their 14th Annual Border Commanders Meeting today. These high-level national security talks lasted for 3 days.
The aim of the Border Commanders' meeting was to create a framework for addressing the security challenges faced by both countries in the border regions of Belize and Mexico. Among the top issues addressed was the challenge of narco-trafficking that continues to plague the neighboring countries in the different domains. So, it was important for all branches of the military on both sides of the border to be represented at this meeting.
Belize's delegation was headed by the Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard Rear Admiral Elton Bennett and Commander of the Belize Defence Force Brigadier General Azariel Loria. The Chief of Defence Staff Admiral John Borland was also present and provided strategic insight during the session. The Mexican delegation was headed by Major General Sergio Angel Sanchez Garcia, deputy of the Joint General Staff of National Defence, and Admiral Javier Abarca Garcia, Commandant 5th Naval Region in Quintana Roo.
Oscar Mira, the Minister of State in the Ministry of National Defence and Border Security, urged the group to consider security beyond the traditional definitions of transnational and organized crime.
