Defense minister reaffirms Dominican commitment to fighting transnational crime

Cusco, Peru.- Dominican Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre reaffirmed the country’s commitment to combating transnational crime during the XVII Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in Cusco, Peru.

Addressing defense leaders from across the hemisphere, Fernández Onofre stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation to confront cross-border criminal organizations that threaten the region’s security and stability. He also highlighted the importance of expanding cyber defense capabilities and increasing intelligence sharing among allied nations to address cyberattacks and other emerging security threats.

The conference concluded with the signing of the Cusco Declaration by representatives from more than 30 countries. The agreement outlines a framework for greater collaboration against maritime drug trafficking, illegal mining, and arms trafficking while reinforcing human rights and institutional cooperation.

Fernández Onofre also showcased the Dominican Republic’s Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026, highlighting the country’s rapid humanitarian response to the earthquakes in Venezuela as an example of its disaster relief and emergency response capabilities.