Mexico and the United States signed a defense agreement on new technologies last week, further strengthening cooperation between the two countries on security matters.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson on Sunday underscored the bilateral cooperation within the declaration of intent that will allow Mexico’s Defense Ministry (Defensa) to acquire drones and counter-unmanned aircraft systems.

Celebrating the agreement and the bilateral commitment to fighting organized crime, Johnson published an image of himself shaking hands with Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch as his Photo of the Week.

“Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum, our cooperation continues to yield results,” he said.

The signatories of the non-binding declaration of intent were García Harfuch, General Héctor Ávila Alcocer and U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Patrick Driscoll. Afterward, Sedena confirmed that no models, quantities, cost or delivery dates have been agreed, and there is no purchase commitment.

In a separate social media post, Johnson said the pact strengthens strategic and operational capabilities, specifically by allowing Mexico’s Defense Ministry “to access the U.S. Army’s digital marketplace to acquire unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems at competitive costs.”

The agreement follows a December meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Security Implementation Group during which the neighboring countries consented to expand cooperation in dealing with the increased use of drones by criminal organizations.

Also discussed at the meeting was security in the avocado-growing region of Michoacán, where residents have frequently complained about extortion and violence by organized crime cartels. 

The situation in that western state prompted the U.S. government to momentarily suspend the avocado trade earlier this month.

With reports from La Jornada, El Financiero and The Rio Times