Thu Oct 17 03:24:46 UTC 2024: ## Secretary of the Navy Leads US Delegation to Major Defense Forum in Argentina

**MENDOZA, ARGENTINA -** Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro led the United States delegation to the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Mendoza, Argentina, from October 13-16, 2024. The forum, which convenes senior national security and defense officials from across the Western Hemisphere, focused on critical regional challenges such as the responsible use of artificial intelligence and climate change.

The delegation included representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Southern Command, and U.S. Northern Command.

During the conference, Secretary Del Toro held bilateral meetings with defense leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, reaffirming the US commitment to strengthening partnerships and addressing shared security concerns. Discussions covered a range of topics including:

* **Cooperation in emerging defense areas:** Cybersecurity, space, special operations, and the expansion of defense industrial base cooperation.
* **Military-to-military activities:** Collaboration in the South Atlantic region, including the finalization of the US-Brazil Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement.
* **Addressing transnational criminal organizations (TCOs):** Countering threats posed by these groups and strengthening regional security.
* **Emerging challenges:** Countering unmanned aircraft systems, climate change, and support for special operations.

The US delegation also proposed hosting the XVIII CDMA in 2028, a proposal that was endorsed by the participating ministers.

Secretary Del Toro expressed gratitude to Argentina for hosting the XVI CDMA and for its contributions to global security. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among Western Hemisphere nations to address shared security challenges and maintain regional stability.

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