Monday, July 30, 2012
U.S.-Mexico
Cooperation Strengthens Port Security and Capacity to Intercept Weapons of Mass Destruction
U.S. Embassy, Mexico
The government
of Mexico and the U.S. Embassy announced, on July 24, the successful implementation of the Megaports Initiative. This project
was achieved thanks to cooperation between the U.S. Government and Mexico's Customs Administration (SAT) at four principal
Mexican ports. The Megaports Initiative is a U.S. Department of Energy program intended to enhance the ability of ports around
the world to detect and interdict illicit shipments of special nuclear and other radioactive materials.
This was accomplished thanks to the donation of fixed and portable radiation detectors and
isotope identifiers, and by providing specialized training and technical assistance focused on key cargo ports. This project
was implemented in the Mexican ports of Manzanillo, Altamira, Lazaro Cardenas, and Veracruz, through which 92% of Mexico's
containerized cargo pass.
Cooperation on this project between Mexico's
Customs Administration (SAT) and the Department of Energy began in 2007, and the July 24 ceremony signifies the completion
of the equipment installations at the four Megaports, and equipment turnover to the Government of Mexico for long term maintenance
and operation.
To celebrate the implementation of the project, a ceremony
was held in Manzanillo in which Laura F. Dogu, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, said, "The inauguration
of the Megaports in these four cities is an illustration of Mexico's overall commitment to modernize its import and export
management system over recent years, and to address its responsibilities under United Nations Security Council Resolution
1540, which calls on member states to take specific actions to prevent the proliferation of controlled materials and equipment
and prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. It is also an illustration of the continuing
close cooperation between the United States and Mexico to make our shared landmass safer and more secure for the citizens
of both countries."
Dogu continued, "Here at the port
of Manzanillo we find equipment donated by the United States under the Merida Initiative, the Megaports Program, and the Export
Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program, as well as Mexican customs and navy personnel who have benefitted from
specialized training provided under these programs. However, the contributions from the United States are only part
of the story, as the Government of Mexico has also invested heavily in modernizing this strategic port and made significant
strides in ensuring the safe conduct of commerce through enhancements in the ability of Customs officers to target and detect
illicit shipments. The United States of America congratulates Mexico on their achievements in this area."
Alejandro Gutierrez, Head of the International Affairs Department of Mexico's Customs
Administration, said that SAT "has become a fundamental component in the National Security Strategy, by using a series
of tactics that result in a balance between facilitating trade and enhancing security." Mr. Gutierrez also said that,
"these kinds of actions strengthen the commitment between Mexico and the United States to increase security on both sides
of the border and to establish joint mechanisms which benefit both nations."
The U.S. and Mexican governments reiterate their commitment to continue working together to make both nations'
borders safer and to acquire the necessary tools to prevent the flow of harmful materials that affect societies on both sides
of the border.
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Press release, Embassy of the United States, Mexico City
