1 00:00:00,140 --> 00:00:02,362 opportunity even in the midst of co vid 2 00:00:02,362 --> 00:00:04,473 Thio , come into your living rooms or 3 00:00:04,473 --> 00:00:06,696 wherever you're located . But thank you 4 00:00:06,696 --> 00:00:08,862 for joining us today for what promises 5 00:00:08,862 --> 00:00:10,862 just to be a terrific on the record 6 00:00:10,862 --> 00:00:13,029 session with the commander in chief of 7 00:00:13,029 --> 00:00:15,140 the U S . Southern Command Ambassador 8 00:00:15,140 --> 00:00:17,196 Craig Fowler , as well as the deputy 9 00:00:17,196 --> 00:00:19,084 commander and political adviser , 10 00:00:19,084 --> 00:00:20,973 Ambassador Jean Mains . Uh , this 11 00:00:20,973 --> 00:00:23,710 session is intended to give the command 12 00:00:23,710 --> 00:00:25,800 an opportunity to outreach to the 13 00:00:25,810 --> 00:00:28,440 private sector and offer some views in 14 00:00:28,440 --> 00:00:30,662 terms of how the command is viewing the 15 00:00:30,662 --> 00:00:32,650 region on . Then we will have the 16 00:00:32,650 --> 00:00:35,220 opportunity for some questions on 17 00:00:35,220 --> 00:00:37,660 answers in the second half of the hour . 18 00:00:37,740 --> 00:00:39,684 The way that we're going to do the 19 00:00:39,684 --> 00:00:41,796 question and answer session this time 20 00:00:41,796 --> 00:00:44,800 is that I'll ask those with questions 21 00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:47,180 or comments to please send me a private 22 00:00:47,190 --> 00:00:49,670 chat . I'll add you to the queue , but 23 00:00:49,670 --> 00:00:51,670 based on the ground rules that have 24 00:00:51,670 --> 00:00:53,837 been discussed with the command , I'll 25 00:00:53,837 --> 00:00:56,670 be asking the questions this morning on 26 00:00:56,670 --> 00:00:59,040 your behalf . So please be sure to let 27 00:00:59,040 --> 00:01:01,151 me know what those questions actually 28 00:01:01,151 --> 00:01:03,096 are so I can do them justice as we 29 00:01:03,096 --> 00:01:05,450 raised them with our two principal 30 00:01:05,450 --> 00:01:09,080 speakers I'm not going to dio in depth 31 00:01:09,080 --> 00:01:11,710 biographies of either speaker for two 32 00:01:11,710 --> 00:01:13,766 reasons . Number one is because if I 33 00:01:13,766 --> 00:01:15,766 tried , I would not do them justice 34 00:01:15,766 --> 00:01:17,543 because the background there so 35 00:01:17,543 --> 00:01:19,821 incredibly impressive . And number two , 36 00:01:19,821 --> 00:01:22,043 we want to begin the program right away 37 00:01:22,043 --> 00:01:21,550 and begin to hear from them . But 38 00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:23,727 suffice it to say that those who would 39 00:01:23,727 --> 00:01:26,410 be interested in learning about the 40 00:01:26,410 --> 00:01:28,577 biographic information all you have to 41 00:01:28,577 --> 00:01:30,688 do is contact us will be happy to get 42 00:01:30,688 --> 00:01:34,170 it to you right away . Admiral Craig 43 00:01:34,180 --> 00:01:36,920 Fowler is the commander of the U . S . 44 00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:38,976 Southern Command . As you know , his 45 00:01:38,976 --> 00:01:41,031 immediate past assignment was as the 46 00:01:41,031 --> 00:01:43,031 senior military assistant to the US 47 00:01:43,031 --> 00:01:45,270 Secretary of Defense . He is a graduate 48 00:01:45,270 --> 00:01:47,800 of the U . S military academy and has a 49 00:01:47,800 --> 00:01:51,290 post graduate degree in 1990 from the 50 00:01:51,290 --> 00:01:54,230 Naval Postgraduate School in National 51 00:01:54,230 --> 00:01:57,220 Security Affairs . Uh , he has had 52 00:01:57,230 --> 00:01:59,450 positions of increasing responsibility 53 00:01:59,450 --> 00:02:02,320 and command responsibility both at sea 54 00:02:02,320 --> 00:02:04,440 and on land , as you would imagine of 55 00:02:04,450 --> 00:02:07,870 increasing , uh , responsibilities and 56 00:02:07,880 --> 00:02:10,800 has at every level been commended for 57 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:13,140 outstanding service to his troops . 58 00:02:13,140 --> 00:02:15,870 Those under him a swell as to the 59 00:02:15,870 --> 00:02:18,092 United States . So , Commander , it's a 60 00:02:18,092 --> 00:02:20,148 real privilege to welcome you to the 61 00:02:20,148 --> 00:02:22,259 council . Welcome back to the Council 62 00:02:22,259 --> 00:02:24,370 of Americans . I should say we've had 63 00:02:24,370 --> 00:02:26,592 privileged to host you elsewhere in the 64 00:02:26,592 --> 00:02:26,350 organization as well . And then , of 65 00:02:26,350 --> 00:02:28,461 course , Ambassador Jean Mains . Many 66 00:02:28,461 --> 00:02:30,628 of you know Ambassador Mains , because 67 00:02:30,628 --> 00:02:32,850 we've also hosted her . She's theme the 68 00:02:32,850 --> 00:02:34,739 civilian political adviser to the 69 00:02:34,739 --> 00:02:37,620 command . She is three immediate past 70 00:02:37,620 --> 00:02:39,920 US ambassador to El Salvador , a career 71 00:02:39,920 --> 00:02:42,031 member of the U . S . Foreign Service 72 00:02:42,031 --> 00:02:44,364 who joined the State Department in 1992 . 73 00:02:44,364 --> 00:02:47,300 Ambassador Mains has really carved out 74 00:02:47,300 --> 00:02:49,467 quite an impressive role as somebody , 75 00:02:49,467 --> 00:02:52,560 not just in terms of her day to day 76 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:55,170 activities managing embassies and 77 00:02:55,180 --> 00:02:57,180 diplomatic affairs on behalf of the 78 00:02:57,180 --> 00:02:59,402 United States , but who has really been 79 00:02:59,402 --> 00:03:01,624 one of the earliest sound . The clarion 80 00:03:01,624 --> 00:03:04,650 call in terms of some of the outside 81 00:03:04,740 --> 00:03:06,851 influences that are beginning to come 82 00:03:06,851 --> 00:03:08,796 into into the Western Hemisphere , 83 00:03:08,796 --> 00:03:10,840 including China on have indeed been 84 00:03:10,840 --> 00:03:13,007 doing so for some time . So she's been 85 00:03:13,007 --> 00:03:15,118 clear eyed about these issues and has 86 00:03:15,118 --> 00:03:17,284 been somebody , I think who has really 87 00:03:17,284 --> 00:03:19,396 brought those to the attention of the 88 00:03:19,396 --> 00:03:21,451 private sector and the others during 89 00:03:21,451 --> 00:03:23,562 her time in service . The opportunity 90 00:03:23,562 --> 00:03:25,673 today will be to hear again from both 91 00:03:25,673 --> 00:03:27,673 of these speakers they have a short 92 00:03:27,673 --> 00:03:27,570 presentation on . Then we'll have the 93 00:03:27,570 --> 00:03:29,514 opportunity of question and answer 94 00:03:29,514 --> 00:03:31,620 session and one final thing just to 95 00:03:31,620 --> 00:03:33,564 introduce myself . My name is Eric 96 00:03:33,564 --> 00:03:35,620 Farnsworth , with the Council of the 97 00:03:35,620 --> 00:03:37,787 Americas . Delighted to be your host . 98 00:03:37,787 --> 00:03:39,842 And I also welcome Susan Siegal that 99 00:03:39,842 --> 00:03:41,898 the president and CEO of the council 100 00:03:41,898 --> 00:03:44,120 and all of our board members and senior 101 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:46,176 company representatives and others . 102 00:03:46,176 --> 00:03:48,120 Thank you for joining us . Admiral 103 00:03:48,120 --> 00:03:50,398 Fallon will begin the program with you . 104 00:03:50,398 --> 00:03:52,620 Thank you again for joining us , Eric . 105 00:03:52,620 --> 00:03:54,898 Thank you . It's good to see you . And , 106 00:03:54,898 --> 00:03:57,176 uh , Susan , thanks a swell . And , uh , 107 00:03:57,176 --> 00:03:59,600 just to note America's Society Council 108 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:02,010 Americans does so much thio to talk 109 00:04:02,010 --> 00:04:04,066 about this wonderful neighborhood of 110 00:04:04,066 --> 00:04:06,080 ours the this hemisphere and its 111 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:09,710 importance to the security , to 112 00:04:09,720 --> 00:04:12,560 prosperity , to freedom . I do view it 113 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:14,671 as a beacon beacon of freedom . And I 114 00:04:14,671 --> 00:04:16,504 think that Beacon is under under 115 00:04:16,504 --> 00:04:18,616 assault . We're gonna talk about that 116 00:04:18,616 --> 00:04:21,570 about that today just to take a step 117 00:04:21,580 --> 00:04:23,710 and look at what U S Southern Command 118 00:04:23,710 --> 00:04:27,410 does . Overall , as one of six regional 119 00:04:27,420 --> 00:04:29,960 geographic combatant commands in the 120 00:04:29,960 --> 00:04:32,016 United States , I report directly to 121 00:04:32,016 --> 00:04:34,520 the Secretary defense on to simplify 122 00:04:34,520 --> 00:04:37,040 our mission . Our mission is to defend 123 00:04:37,050 --> 00:04:39,800 the United States . So every day we 124 00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:42,110 think about what the threats are and 125 00:04:42,110 --> 00:04:45,330 what our role is in making the United 126 00:04:45,330 --> 00:04:48,210 States say for the way we do . That is 127 00:04:48,210 --> 00:04:50,570 principally working with partners , uh , 128 00:04:51,040 --> 00:04:52,929 both bilaterally and then through 129 00:04:52,929 --> 00:04:54,929 multilateral organizations . And we 130 00:04:54,929 --> 00:04:56,818 have some really strong , capable 131 00:04:56,818 --> 00:04:59,610 partners in this hemisphere Brazil , 132 00:04:59,610 --> 00:05:03,000 Colombia , chile And 133 00:05:03,010 --> 00:05:05,380 even as you think , into Central 134 00:05:05,380 --> 00:05:07,269 America , you look at some of the 135 00:05:07,269 --> 00:05:09,820 partners , um , El Salvador . And while 136 00:05:09,820 --> 00:05:11,987 there may be challenges there , the El 137 00:05:11,987 --> 00:05:14,020 Salvador military has , uh , has a 138 00:05:14,020 --> 00:05:16,700 company participate in peacekeeping 139 00:05:16,700 --> 00:05:20,420 operations in Mali as we speak . So our 140 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:22,930 goal is thio work with them to enhance 141 00:05:22,930 --> 00:05:24,763 their capabilities in a way that 142 00:05:24,763 --> 00:05:26,874 returns the investment to us and that 143 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:29,720 investment for all of us in a secure , 144 00:05:29,720 --> 00:05:31,776 stable , prosperous hemisphere is so 145 00:05:31,776 --> 00:05:35,180 important . We have characterized the 146 00:05:35,180 --> 00:05:37,236 threats on there and all threats are 147 00:05:37,236 --> 00:05:39,291 interconnected . But the threats are 148 00:05:39,291 --> 00:05:41,236 interconnected in a way that we've 149 00:05:41,236 --> 00:05:44,400 characterized as vicious circle . So 150 00:05:44,410 --> 00:05:46,243 think about the importance of an 151 00:05:46,243 --> 00:05:49,100 institution to a democracy . So U s 152 00:05:49,100 --> 00:05:51,470 department defense is critical Strong 153 00:05:51,840 --> 00:05:55,540 department . We want to partner with 154 00:05:55,550 --> 00:05:57,439 our partner nations in a way that 155 00:05:57,439 --> 00:05:59,940 increases their institutional strength 156 00:05:59,940 --> 00:06:01,773 and health . Often , these young 157 00:06:01,773 --> 00:06:04,560 democracies and very young , sometimes 158 00:06:04,560 --> 00:06:06,671 weak institutions , are under assault 159 00:06:06,671 --> 00:06:08,900 from corruption from transnational 160 00:06:08,900 --> 00:06:12,340 criminal organizations , which is a $90 161 00:06:12,340 --> 00:06:14,700 billion a year enterprise that traffics 162 00:06:14,700 --> 00:06:18,300 and people guns , drugs and other 163 00:06:18,300 --> 00:06:20,780 commodities . Money laundering , crypto 164 00:06:20,780 --> 00:06:23,830 currency 60% of the crypto currency , 165 00:06:23,840 --> 00:06:26,870 uh , in the world is in this hemisphere , 166 00:06:26,870 --> 00:06:29,092 and a lot of that is because folks were 167 00:06:29,092 --> 00:06:31,610 trying to avoid regular order in 168 00:06:31,610 --> 00:06:34,730 international financial system . So 169 00:06:34,740 --> 00:06:36,796 transnational criminal organizations 170 00:06:36,796 --> 00:06:39,740 and then external state actors a term 171 00:06:39,740 --> 00:06:42,480 that we've term of art we use in the 172 00:06:42,480 --> 00:06:45,020 military describe the role of nation 173 00:06:45,020 --> 00:06:48,860 states like China and Russia . And 174 00:06:49,440 --> 00:06:52,070 I can't really consider Iran a nation 175 00:06:52,070 --> 00:06:54,292 state , more of a cause that a nation , 176 00:06:54,292 --> 00:06:56,640 state and Iran and then malign actors 177 00:06:56,640 --> 00:06:58,973 internal to the hemisphere such as Cuba , 178 00:06:58,973 --> 00:07:01,700 Venezuela and Nicaragua . All that 179 00:07:01,710 --> 00:07:03,540 working together toe snuff out 180 00:07:03,540 --> 00:07:06,730 democracy and freedom in a way that 181 00:07:06,730 --> 00:07:08,980 drives the sense of urgency every day 182 00:07:08,980 --> 00:07:11,330 with which we get after , uh , this 183 00:07:11,340 --> 00:07:13,370 idea of sustainable security and 184 00:07:13,370 --> 00:07:16,270 defense . Now add Cove , it do that , 185 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:19,140 and co vid as it hit the globe has hit 186 00:07:19,140 --> 00:07:21,460 Latin America and the Caribbean hard , 187 00:07:21,470 --> 00:07:23,760 the epicenter of the cove . It crisis 188 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:26,840 with a higher percentage rate per 189 00:07:26,840 --> 00:07:29,630 population . And and we are concerned 190 00:07:29,630 --> 00:07:32,190 as we watch these trends , what the 191 00:07:32,200 --> 00:07:34,950 impacts , the downstream impacts will 192 00:07:34,950 --> 00:07:38,160 be on security . And already we see the 193 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:41,480 increase in unemployment , of poverty , 194 00:07:41,490 --> 00:07:44,910 of debt and all those factors that lead 195 00:07:44,910 --> 00:07:47,150 us to be concerned about . The 2nd 3rd 196 00:07:47,150 --> 00:07:48,928 Order impacts as we look at the 197 00:07:48,928 --> 00:07:51,750 security going forward . So how do we 198 00:07:51,750 --> 00:07:54,028 respond to this vicious circle threats ? 199 00:07:54,410 --> 00:07:57,930 Is that partnership focusing on what we 200 00:07:57,930 --> 00:08:00,310 consider basic blocking and tackling of 201 00:08:00,310 --> 00:08:02,990 a strong relationship ? Education ? We 202 00:08:02,990 --> 00:08:05,280 have a very robust , uh , international 203 00:08:05,280 --> 00:08:07,391 military education training program . 204 00:08:07,391 --> 00:08:09,502 Think of it a scholarships and grants 205 00:08:09,502 --> 00:08:11,669 for school . Our partner nations value 206 00:08:11,669 --> 00:08:13,900 our school system , and we value their 207 00:08:13,900 --> 00:08:15,710 attendance . It builds lasting 208 00:08:15,710 --> 00:08:17,932 partnerships where we really understand 209 00:08:17,932 --> 00:08:20,900 each other's thinking and how we view 210 00:08:20,910 --> 00:08:24,820 threats , how we view operations , how 211 00:08:24,820 --> 00:08:27,098 we think through strategy and planning , 212 00:08:27,310 --> 00:08:29,588 exercising together , working together , 213 00:08:29,588 --> 00:08:31,800 working on interoperability , being 214 00:08:31,800 --> 00:08:34,420 able to speak to one another in a 215 00:08:34,420 --> 00:08:37,240 secure manner in the digital manner , 216 00:08:37,250 --> 00:08:39,680 to share intelligence , to share 217 00:08:39,680 --> 00:08:41,791 information , thes air , the building 218 00:08:41,791 --> 00:08:44,850 blocks of our security cooperation 219 00:08:44,850 --> 00:08:47,350 relationships and some of those 220 00:08:47,350 --> 00:08:49,550 building blocks are being mirrored by 221 00:08:49,550 --> 00:08:51,661 others . We look at the rise of China 222 00:08:51,661 --> 00:08:54,450 globally and we look at our own US 223 00:08:54,450 --> 00:08:56,339 national defense strategy , which 224 00:08:56,339 --> 00:08:58,339 rightly called out competition with 225 00:08:58,339 --> 00:09:01,460 China and Russia as the pacing 226 00:09:02,040 --> 00:09:04,320 threats for the U . S . Military and 227 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:06,800 that competition , particularly China , 228 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:08,856 is alive and well right here in this 229 00:09:08,856 --> 00:09:10,930 hemisphere . As China is working on 230 00:09:10,940 --> 00:09:14,070 port deals , I t deals , infrastructure 231 00:09:14,070 --> 00:09:18,070 deals and military partnerships within 232 00:09:18,070 --> 00:09:21,110 hours here of South Florida and the US 233 00:09:21,110 --> 00:09:24,510 writ large , we've also focused 234 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:27,190 our efforts on countering these 235 00:09:27,190 --> 00:09:29,412 transnational criminal organizations as 236 00:09:29,412 --> 00:09:31,246 I mentioned a $90 billion a year 237 00:09:31,246 --> 00:09:34,410 enterprise in some cases in some of our 238 00:09:34,420 --> 00:09:36,476 partner nations , thes organizations 239 00:09:36,476 --> 00:09:38,630 controlled territory , and they have 240 00:09:38,630 --> 00:09:41,780 used co vid toe leverage populations in 241 00:09:41,780 --> 00:09:43,836 a way that endears themselves to the 242 00:09:43,836 --> 00:09:45,680 hearts and minds by trying to 243 00:09:45,680 --> 00:09:48,220 substitute for strained social and 244 00:09:48,220 --> 00:09:52,210 health systems . Uh , our response has 245 00:09:52,210 --> 00:09:54,710 been to step up rather than step down . 246 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:57,340 So in April we enhanced our operation , 247 00:09:57,350 --> 00:10:00,290 added assets added intelligence added 248 00:10:00,290 --> 00:10:02,457 in all domain look , which means we're 249 00:10:02,457 --> 00:10:05,070 looking at getting after this threat 250 00:10:05,080 --> 00:10:08,580 across cyber and information space , 251 00:10:08,580 --> 00:10:12,100 land , air sea with our interagency US 252 00:10:12,100 --> 00:10:14,267 partners with our embassy partners and 253 00:10:14,267 --> 00:10:16,100 with our partner nations and the 254 00:10:16,100 --> 00:10:17,989 results have been encouraging our 255 00:10:17,989 --> 00:10:21,460 interdiction success percentage success 256 00:10:21,460 --> 00:10:24,730 is up . We're targeting Mawr . Our 257 00:10:24,730 --> 00:10:28,160 partners air targeting Mawr and the 258 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:30,751 criminal enterprises are feeling that 259 00:10:30,751 --> 00:10:33,770 And seeing that . And so the goal here , 260 00:10:33,770 --> 00:10:36,360 of course , is safer cities in the 261 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:39,450 United States and more stable countries 262 00:10:39,450 --> 00:10:42,370 that air less susceptible to this 263 00:10:42,370 --> 00:10:45,170 corrosive threat . When we sit down 264 00:10:45,170 --> 00:10:47,670 cheese , a defense , security ministers , 265 00:10:48,860 --> 00:10:50,620 police commissioners 266 00:10:53,040 --> 00:10:56,230 the top threats that day site are these 267 00:10:56,230 --> 00:10:58,397 transnational criminal organizations . 268 00:10:59,040 --> 00:11:03,030 Cyber and illegal fishing is among 269 00:11:03,030 --> 00:11:05,520 the top three , and most of that 270 00:11:05,520 --> 00:11:08,300 illegal fishing comes from China . So 271 00:11:08,310 --> 00:11:11,410 so back to China's corrosive influence . 272 00:11:11,420 --> 00:11:13,910 Uh , in this hemisphere , it is 273 00:11:13,910 --> 00:11:15,990 something that has us focused with a 274 00:11:15,990 --> 00:11:18,770 sense of urgency . Day in and day out , 275 00:11:19,440 --> 00:11:21,551 I'm gonna pass it to invest remains . 276 00:11:21,551 --> 00:11:24,120 She's gonna talk about her role in 277 00:11:24,120 --> 00:11:26,460 South commas are deputy commander and 278 00:11:26,460 --> 00:11:28,910 some of the operations and activities 279 00:11:28,910 --> 00:11:31,420 that we've been working Thio To counter 280 00:11:31,420 --> 00:11:33,420 these threats and make a difference 281 00:11:33,420 --> 00:11:35,920 best remains great . Thank you , 282 00:11:35,920 --> 00:11:37,698 Ambassador Fowler . Good to see 283 00:11:37,698 --> 00:11:40,120 everyone online today . So part of our 284 00:11:40,130 --> 00:11:42,160 interaction is obviously with our 285 00:11:42,160 --> 00:11:44,271 embassies and the private sector down 286 00:11:44,271 --> 00:11:46,604 range . So at U S Southern Command . We , 287 00:11:46,604 --> 00:11:48,716 in essence , have an interagency team 288 00:11:48,716 --> 00:11:50,882 here , and that's part of being dual . 289 00:11:50,882 --> 00:11:53,104 Had it is the civilian deputy commander 290 00:11:53,104 --> 00:11:55,271 and as the foreign policy adviser , is 291 00:11:55,271 --> 00:11:57,216 that we have that interagency look 292 00:11:57,216 --> 00:11:59,438 because it can't just be the military . 293 00:11:59,438 --> 00:12:01,640 It has to be focused on what are the 294 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:03,751 primary goals for the United States . 295 00:12:03,751 --> 00:12:06,110 And then how does the military advance 296 00:12:06,110 --> 00:12:09,180 those in partnership with others ? So I 297 00:12:09,180 --> 00:12:11,020 focus quickly on humanitarian 298 00:12:11,020 --> 00:12:14,460 assistance so early in March , U S . 299 00:12:14,460 --> 00:12:16,650 Southern Command really pivoted . Are 300 00:12:16,650 --> 00:12:19,130 humanitarian assistance program making 301 00:12:19,130 --> 00:12:22,230 sure we could get immediate Covad 19 302 00:12:22,230 --> 00:12:25,150 related donations done to keep partners ? 303 00:12:25,540 --> 00:12:27,900 Why does that matter ? Because our 304 00:12:27,900 --> 00:12:30,270 ambassadors on the ground needed to go 305 00:12:30,270 --> 00:12:32,810 out and show us commitment . You wanna 306 00:12:32,810 --> 00:12:34,921 be partner of choice , you need to be 307 00:12:34,921 --> 00:12:37,143 the partner of choice in a crisis , and 308 00:12:37,143 --> 00:12:39,310 you need to show up and you need to be 309 00:12:39,310 --> 00:12:41,477 ready to commit . And so for us that U 310 00:12:41,477 --> 00:12:43,254 S Southern Command , we pivoted 311 00:12:43,254 --> 00:12:45,477 immediately an existing program to work 312 00:12:45,477 --> 00:12:47,960 with our embassies to get stuff rapidly 313 00:12:47,970 --> 00:12:50,170 on the ground to show us commitment in 314 00:12:50,170 --> 00:12:52,690 presence . And so , while it hasn't 315 00:12:52,690 --> 00:12:55,390 been covered in the news as much . The 316 00:12:55,390 --> 00:12:58,230 US is by far the largest donor to this 317 00:12:58,230 --> 00:13:00,860 hemisphere , and we do track that . So 318 00:13:00,860 --> 00:13:03,027 we track what the U . S . Government , 319 00:13:03,027 --> 00:13:05,430 which includes U . S Southern Command , 320 00:13:05,440 --> 00:13:07,790 is contributing to the hemisphere . We 321 00:13:07,790 --> 00:13:10,010 track what our adversaries are 322 00:13:10,020 --> 00:13:12,242 contributing to the hemisphere , and we 323 00:13:12,242 --> 00:13:14,242 watch that very carefully to try to 324 00:13:14,242 --> 00:13:17,420 make sure that some countries are 325 00:13:17,430 --> 00:13:20,860 inadvertently using this moment to take 326 00:13:20,860 --> 00:13:22,890 advantage and get in and obtain 327 00:13:22,890 --> 00:13:24,840 political leverage . And so it's 328 00:13:24,840 --> 00:13:26,896 something we do here in coordination 329 00:13:26,896 --> 00:13:28,784 with U . S . A . I d . With State 330 00:13:28,784 --> 00:13:30,896 Department with our embassies to make 331 00:13:30,896 --> 00:13:33,062 sure that we react quickly and that we 332 00:13:33,062 --> 00:13:35,340 get ahead . And so , in fact , just 333 00:13:35,340 --> 00:13:37,284 recently where you were in Jamaica 334 00:13:37,340 --> 00:13:39,440 donating medical hospital tents , 335 00:13:39,490 --> 00:13:41,323 there's actually 24 going to the 336 00:13:41,323 --> 00:13:43,546 hemisphere . But that's just a Siri's . 337 00:13:43,546 --> 00:13:46,620 We've done 330 plus projects in the 338 00:13:46,620 --> 00:13:49,040 hemisphere in the last six months , and 339 00:13:49,040 --> 00:13:52,030 so it really has been a remarkable pace 340 00:13:52,040 --> 00:13:55,090 trying to showcase why this hemisphere 341 00:13:55,090 --> 00:13:57,310 matters and that the US is a reliable 342 00:13:57,310 --> 00:14:00,340 partner , and so we often focus on that 343 00:14:00,340 --> 00:14:02,430 humanitarian assistance on the China 344 00:14:02,430 --> 00:14:04,470 piece . I'll just spend a moment on 345 00:14:04,470 --> 00:14:06,760 illegal fishing . It is one of those 346 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:08,982 issues . That's a top concern for every 347 00:14:08,982 --> 00:14:11,340 country with a coastline . It takes 348 00:14:11,340 --> 00:14:14,370 away from the fishing industry , their 349 00:14:14,370 --> 00:14:16,580 native fishing industry , and it also 350 00:14:16,580 --> 00:14:18,770 decimates communities . So when you 351 00:14:18,770 --> 00:14:20,937 have illegal fishing happening off the 352 00:14:20,937 --> 00:14:22,890 coast , it means that those local 353 00:14:22,890 --> 00:14:25,670 fishermen no longer have a business . 354 00:14:26,140 --> 00:14:28,196 What happens when those fishermen no 355 00:14:28,196 --> 00:14:30,196 longer have a business they need to 356 00:14:30,196 --> 00:14:31,696 feed their families ? So , 357 00:14:31,696 --> 00:14:34,150 unfortunately , not by choice , 358 00:14:34,160 --> 00:14:36,790 necessarily , they become fuel runners 359 00:14:36,800 --> 00:14:38,840 or supply runners to the drug boats 360 00:14:38,840 --> 00:14:41,062 that air right offshore because there's 361 00:14:41,062 --> 00:14:43,520 no more fish and that decimates those 362 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:45,590 communities , and it also makes them 363 00:14:45,590 --> 00:14:48,210 more insecure . And so , from U . S 364 00:14:48,210 --> 00:14:50,099 Southern Command , Admiral Fowler 365 00:14:50,099 --> 00:14:52,670 joined , um , the head of the Coast 366 00:14:52,670 --> 00:14:54,559 Guard just a couple weeks ago tow 367 00:14:54,559 --> 00:14:57,410 launch their global strategic outlook 368 00:14:57,410 --> 00:15:00,610 to combat illegal fishing . And it is 369 00:15:00,610 --> 00:15:02,640 one about really recognizing 370 00:15:02,640 --> 00:15:05,320 international law . China is the big 371 00:15:05,320 --> 00:15:07,670 offender in this space , with a fishing 372 00:15:07,670 --> 00:15:10,770 fleet of over 17,000 highly subsidized 373 00:15:11,340 --> 00:15:13,760 and and so you've seen those 300 374 00:15:13,760 --> 00:15:16,330 vessels recently off the coast of the 375 00:15:16,330 --> 00:15:18,810 Galapagos Islands ? Ah , UNESCO World 376 00:15:18,810 --> 00:15:21,840 Heritage Site . Um , you know , we 377 00:15:21,840 --> 00:15:24,080 actually track those vessels and 378 00:15:24,080 --> 00:15:26,480 there's unclassified data that we used 379 00:15:26,480 --> 00:15:29,200 to do that , and you can see when a 380 00:15:29,200 --> 00:15:31,730 ship turns off their navigation device . 381 00:15:31,740 --> 00:15:33,970 It's called the A I s system , which is 382 00:15:33,970 --> 00:15:36,600 the GPS system for ships , and you 383 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:38,711 could actually see when a vessel what 384 00:15:38,711 --> 00:15:40,960 they call goes dark and the only reason 385 00:15:40,960 --> 00:15:43,350 to go dark are one of two reasons 386 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:45,900 you're being attacked by a pirate or 387 00:15:45,900 --> 00:15:48,300 you're doing something illegal . And I 388 00:15:48,300 --> 00:15:50,411 think it's clear what's happening off 389 00:15:50,411 --> 00:15:52,467 the coast of the Galapagos Islands . 390 00:15:52,467 --> 00:15:54,633 Those vessels air now off the coast of 391 00:15:54,633 --> 00:15:56,800 Peru , and that's a regular occurrence 392 00:15:56,840 --> 00:15:59,580 that decimates local economies , and 393 00:15:59,580 --> 00:16:02,240 particularly now , with the decimation 394 00:16:02,240 --> 00:16:05,070 from Cove in 19 and the difficulty for 395 00:16:05,070 --> 00:16:08,070 economic growth . Yet another element 396 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:10,760 of economic growth is being taken off 397 00:16:10,760 --> 00:16:13,680 the table . Bye bye countries who are 398 00:16:13,680 --> 00:16:16,730 not recognizing international law , and 399 00:16:16,730 --> 00:16:18,841 so the United States will continue to 400 00:16:18,841 --> 00:16:21,063 move out on that issue . There's also a 401 00:16:21,063 --> 00:16:23,420 big opportunity for the private sector 402 00:16:23,430 --> 00:16:25,720 to engage in the traceability issue of 403 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:27,910 the seafood industry , and so I think 404 00:16:27,910 --> 00:16:30,320 you'll see that coming online companies 405 00:16:30,320 --> 00:16:32,542 will be more focused on traceability of 406 00:16:32,542 --> 00:16:35,410 seafood , not participating in what is 407 00:16:35,410 --> 00:16:38,310 illegal fishing around our hemisphere , 408 00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:40,542 and we want to be clear about that . So 409 00:16:40,542 --> 00:16:42,709 they're in this hemisphere not because 410 00:16:42,709 --> 00:16:44,820 you want to travel this far . They're 411 00:16:44,820 --> 00:16:46,876 in this hemisphere because the areas 412 00:16:46,876 --> 00:16:48,764 closer to China have already been 413 00:16:48,764 --> 00:16:51,240 overfished . And so it's a matter of 414 00:16:51,240 --> 00:16:53,680 whether we look at that and we want 415 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:56,280 that for this hemisphere or we take 416 00:16:56,280 --> 00:16:58,700 action now . But the road path toe 417 00:16:58,710 --> 00:17:00,821 where that leads is pretty clear , as 418 00:17:00,821 --> 00:17:02,932 we've seen in other hemispheres . The 419 00:17:02,932 --> 00:17:05,043 other part from Southern Command that 420 00:17:05,043 --> 00:17:07,266 it gives us the opportunity to do is to 421 00:17:07,266 --> 00:17:09,321 coordinate across hemisphere which I 422 00:17:09,321 --> 00:17:11,520 think is increasingly important . So 423 00:17:11,520 --> 00:17:14,330 cooperation with India , Peckham with 424 00:17:14,340 --> 00:17:17,480 Africom , other combatant commands who 425 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:19,610 are in fact seeing what has happened 426 00:17:19,610 --> 00:17:22,530 over decades and that we can learn from 427 00:17:22,540 --> 00:17:24,500 so that we get out front of these 428 00:17:24,500 --> 00:17:27,380 issues and not always two steps behind . 429 00:17:27,840 --> 00:17:29,618 But we're here working with our 430 00:17:29,618 --> 00:17:32,010 embassies focused on that and there's 431 00:17:32,010 --> 00:17:34,200 nothing more powerful than the inter 432 00:17:34,200 --> 00:17:37,120 agency of the United States . But it 433 00:17:37,120 --> 00:17:39,680 has toe all work together , and I 434 00:17:39,680 --> 00:17:41,980 include the private sector in that 435 00:17:41,980 --> 00:17:43,869 power . It is probably the single 436 00:17:43,869 --> 00:17:46,000 biggest power the U . S . Has and 437 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:48,222 showcasing that power , showcasing what 438 00:17:48,222 --> 00:17:50,500 are companies were doing , showcasing 439 00:17:50,500 --> 00:17:52,700 the respect for the rule of law 440 00:17:52,710 --> 00:17:55,530 showcasing humanitarian assistance , 441 00:17:55,540 --> 00:17:58,160 showcasing all those efforts . There's 442 00:17:58,160 --> 00:18:00,770 no more important time for all of us to 443 00:18:00,770 --> 00:18:04,280 step out , step up and be vocal 444 00:18:04,290 --> 00:18:06,512 about what it means to respect the rule 445 00:18:06,512 --> 00:18:08,734 of law , transparency and international 446 00:18:08,734 --> 00:18:10,680 standards and why it matters . 447 00:18:13,340 --> 00:18:16,960 E said . That hospital our visit to 448 00:18:16,960 --> 00:18:19,450 Jamaica was an example . You know , we 449 00:18:19,450 --> 00:18:21,394 talked about building trust with a 450 00:18:21,394 --> 00:18:23,910 partner is trust is our currency and 451 00:18:23,920 --> 00:18:26,031 you can't surge that . You can't just 452 00:18:26,031 --> 00:18:28,253 turn that trust with you on . You build 453 00:18:28,253 --> 00:18:30,087 it day in and day out by staying 454 00:18:30,087 --> 00:18:32,087 connected . And Jamaica asked for a 455 00:18:32,087 --> 00:18:34,800 hospital tent in in July and we 456 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:36,911 delivered it in September . And these 457 00:18:36,911 --> 00:18:39,078 air not your these air , not Boy Scout 458 00:18:39,078 --> 00:18:41,620 tents . These are sophisticated tents 459 00:18:41,620 --> 00:18:44,840 with , uh , filtered air that would 460 00:18:44,850 --> 00:18:47,590 kill viruses with overpressure systems , 461 00:18:47,590 --> 00:18:50,250 water systems , diesel generators , 462 00:18:50,250 --> 00:18:53,780 electricity , reconfigurable isil from 463 00:18:53,790 --> 00:18:57,260 40 to 70 different beds . But all 464 00:18:57,260 --> 00:19:00,370 portable and mobile eso that partner 465 00:19:00,370 --> 00:19:02,660 could set it up whether it's a pandemic 466 00:19:02,660 --> 00:19:05,080 response or the next natural disaster . 467 00:19:05,090 --> 00:19:07,312 That's a tangible example . The kind of 468 00:19:07,312 --> 00:19:09,423 things we're working on over to you . 469 00:19:09,423 --> 00:19:12,020 Air . Uh huh . Admiral . Thank you very 470 00:19:12,020 --> 00:19:14,076 much , Ambassador . Thank you . Very 471 00:19:14,076 --> 00:19:16,131 much . I want to reiterate the point 472 00:19:16,131 --> 00:19:18,720 that you made about the illegal fishing . 473 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:20,553 We just hosted the ambassador of 474 00:19:20,553 --> 00:19:22,776 Ecuador recently for a public session . 475 00:19:22,776 --> 00:19:24,998 And she was , she highlighted . This is 476 00:19:24,998 --> 00:19:26,998 a growing concern and others around 477 00:19:26,998 --> 00:19:29,220 Latin America . Havas . Well , so thank 478 00:19:29,220 --> 00:19:31,331 you for doing that . I want to remind 479 00:19:31,331 --> 00:19:33,442 everybody that if you have a question 480 00:19:33,442 --> 00:19:33,390 that you would like to get into the 481 00:19:33,390 --> 00:19:35,557 queue , just send me a private chat by 482 00:19:35,557 --> 00:19:37,612 a zoom and we'll do what we can Thio 483 00:19:37,612 --> 00:19:39,668 add you to the Cube . But we already 484 00:19:39,668 --> 00:19:41,446 have several really interesting 485 00:19:41,446 --> 00:19:43,612 questions . Eso I hope both of you are 486 00:19:43,612 --> 00:19:45,723 on your a game because these are good 487 00:19:45,723 --> 00:19:47,668 questions , and I know that you've 488 00:19:47,668 --> 00:19:47,040 brought it , and I know it's gonna be a 489 00:19:47,040 --> 00:19:49,020 terrific conversation . The first 490 00:19:49,020 --> 00:19:52,580 question has to do with Colombia on Did 491 00:19:52,580 --> 00:19:54,802 you know , counseled America's has been 492 00:19:54,802 --> 00:19:56,691 privileged to host these sorts of 493 00:19:56,691 --> 00:19:59,300 sessions with campaign with the command 494 00:19:59,310 --> 00:20:03,140 Excuse me for many years , and the 495 00:20:03,140 --> 00:20:05,810 truth is , Colombia is generally the 496 00:20:05,810 --> 00:20:08,210 top issue that's discussed , and we 497 00:20:08,210 --> 00:20:10,550 didn't use the word this morning . I 498 00:20:10,550 --> 00:20:12,717 wonder if you could give some thoughts 499 00:20:12,717 --> 00:20:14,717 on the peace process and how that's 500 00:20:14,717 --> 00:20:17,210 working on how you're viewing it from 501 00:20:17,220 --> 00:20:20,380 the command in terms of what the U . S . 502 00:20:20,380 --> 00:20:22,602 Should be focusing on in Colombia going 503 00:20:22,602 --> 00:20:26,110 forward . My own opening comments 504 00:20:26,120 --> 00:20:28,920 when we spoke about partner nations 505 00:20:28,920 --> 00:20:31,031 stepping up , even though there was a 506 00:20:31,031 --> 00:20:33,060 pandemic to get after those threats 507 00:20:33,060 --> 00:20:35,227 that are part of this vicious circle , 508 00:20:35,227 --> 00:20:36,893 that air strangling peace and 509 00:20:36,893 --> 00:20:39,004 prosperity here in America's Columbia 510 00:20:39,004 --> 00:20:41,130 was at the top of that list . So 511 00:20:41,140 --> 00:20:44,110 despite a pandemic , they ran an 512 00:20:44,120 --> 00:20:48,030 international operation . 20 plus 513 00:20:48,030 --> 00:20:51,660 partner nations called Ryan and , uh 514 00:20:51,670 --> 00:20:54,350 made a significant impact in the 515 00:20:54,360 --> 00:20:56,416 transnational criminal organizations 516 00:20:56,416 --> 00:20:59,590 and continue to do so . We had the host 517 00:20:59,590 --> 00:21:01,812 of the president , United States , here 518 00:21:01,812 --> 00:21:03,812 in July . He asked me , Who are our 519 00:21:03,812 --> 00:21:05,923 best fighters ? Were who I would want 520 00:21:05,923 --> 00:21:07,757 to go to battle with and without 521 00:21:07,757 --> 00:21:09,812 hesitation , stated the Colombians . 522 00:21:09,812 --> 00:21:12,146 They work hard in their professionalism , 523 00:21:12,530 --> 00:21:16,240 and and I trust him in a day in and day 524 00:21:16,240 --> 00:21:18,296 out basis , and we work hard at that 525 00:21:18,296 --> 00:21:21,440 relationship . The 526 00:21:22,040 --> 00:21:24,300 the peace process has been challenged 527 00:21:24,310 --> 00:21:27,140 by the threats that Colombia sees in 528 00:21:27,140 --> 00:21:29,196 the neighborhood . So take a look at 529 00:21:29,196 --> 00:21:32,510 Venezuela , the the Dural 530 00:21:32,510 --> 00:21:34,950 regime . If we could still call it a 531 00:21:34,950 --> 00:21:38,430 regime that Maduro's group of criminals 532 00:21:38,430 --> 00:21:41,370 and cronies have wrecked the country to 533 00:21:41,370 --> 00:21:43,259 such a point that we now have the 534 00:21:43,259 --> 00:21:45,092 largest migration crisis in this 535 00:21:45,092 --> 00:21:47,570 hemisphere and millions have spilled 536 00:21:47,570 --> 00:21:49,681 over into Colombia and Colombians had 537 00:21:49,681 --> 00:21:51,903 to respond to that and they've had then 538 00:21:51,903 --> 00:21:54,070 respond to cove it on the on the heels 539 00:21:54,070 --> 00:21:57,160 of that . And so Colombia has . Their 540 00:21:57,170 --> 00:22:00,790 security team has been stressed by the 541 00:22:00,790 --> 00:22:02,900 insecurity in the region and I think 542 00:22:02,900 --> 00:22:04,910 has handled it well . Given the 543 00:22:04,910 --> 00:22:08,290 circumstances we've we meet with our 544 00:22:08,290 --> 00:22:10,623 minister of Defense and Tchad regularly , 545 00:22:10,840 --> 00:22:13,180 and they're committed to the peace 546 00:22:13,180 --> 00:22:15,720 process . But without getting into 547 00:22:15,720 --> 00:22:17,870 policy , I think it Zeke Lear , that 548 00:22:18,240 --> 00:22:21,860 they were not . They were not in line 549 00:22:21,860 --> 00:22:23,860 with the approach that the previous 550 00:22:23,860 --> 00:22:25,860 administration had taken . So there 551 00:22:25,860 --> 00:22:27,582 their response has been to put 552 00:22:27,582 --> 00:22:29,804 additional pressure on the L N and FARC 553 00:22:29,804 --> 00:22:31,916 distance , and I would note that both 554 00:22:31,916 --> 00:22:34,650 the Ln FARC are named terrorist 555 00:22:34,650 --> 00:22:37,420 organizations by the U . S . So it's 556 00:22:37,430 --> 00:22:39,652 threats are significant and the threats 557 00:22:39,652 --> 00:22:41,790 have been fueled by Venezuela . The 558 00:22:41,800 --> 00:22:44,540 presence of FARC dissidence and the 559 00:22:44,540 --> 00:22:46,500 line in Venezuela has escalated , 560 00:22:46,500 --> 00:22:49,210 exploded really , as they see the 561 00:22:49,210 --> 00:22:52,020 opportunity for a safe haven inside 562 00:22:52,020 --> 00:22:54,830 Venezuela and the nexus between all 563 00:22:54,830 --> 00:22:57,080 types of illicit activity . Maduro 564 00:22:57,080 --> 00:23:00,520 regime , FARC distance and Ln has 565 00:23:00,520 --> 00:23:03,330 grown . So I'll ask him best remains 566 00:23:03,330 --> 00:23:05,940 Thio . Just share her thoughts on this . 567 00:23:05,940 --> 00:23:08,720 But no , we didn't overlook him . 568 00:23:08,730 --> 00:23:12,220 Way emphasized them broadly as part of 569 00:23:12,220 --> 00:23:14,530 that partner stepping up . Thanks for 570 00:23:14,530 --> 00:23:16,086 the question , Ambassador . 571 00:23:23,340 --> 00:23:25,451 So on that , you know , sometimes you 572 00:23:25,451 --> 00:23:27,451 don't mention the name of your best 573 00:23:27,451 --> 00:23:29,673 partner because you think of them every 574 00:23:29,673 --> 00:23:31,840 day , every hour of the day . Columbia 575 00:23:31,840 --> 00:23:33,896 is definitely in that category , and 576 00:23:33,896 --> 00:23:35,951 the stress they're feeling related . 577 00:23:35,951 --> 00:23:37,784 Thio , Venezuela Migration Creek 578 00:23:37,784 --> 00:23:39,840 overhead is definitely playing out , 579 00:23:39,840 --> 00:23:42,062 and it's playing out in other countries 580 00:23:42,062 --> 00:23:44,062 to the strain that that's taking on 581 00:23:44,062 --> 00:23:46,284 health systems on education systems and 582 00:23:46,284 --> 00:23:48,920 also on security systems . So while you 583 00:23:48,920 --> 00:23:51,087 know , it looks like the peace process 584 00:23:51,087 --> 00:23:53,290 is on a pause , you know , I think 585 00:23:53,290 --> 00:23:55,012 that's just because of what is 586 00:23:55,012 --> 00:23:57,490 happening overall in the region . And 587 00:23:57,490 --> 00:23:59,601 many things around pause right now as 588 00:23:59,601 --> 00:24:01,434 countries try to struggle to get 589 00:24:01,434 --> 00:24:03,601 control , to reopen their countries in 590 00:24:03,601 --> 00:24:05,720 a safe way , and so we'll see how it 591 00:24:05,720 --> 00:24:08,950 goes forward . But they are by far 592 00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:12,910 our best partner and also continue to 593 00:24:12,910 --> 00:24:15,132 stand with the United States on counter 594 00:24:15,132 --> 00:24:17,320 narcotics and on many other issues 595 00:24:17,330 --> 00:24:19,441 where the Colombians play an outsized 596 00:24:19,441 --> 00:24:21,608 role in the region , also helping with 597 00:24:21,608 --> 00:24:23,774 security and Central America and other 598 00:24:23,774 --> 00:24:25,941 countries . And so , as countries come 599 00:24:25,941 --> 00:24:28,163 out of co vid 19 as we get through this 600 00:24:28,163 --> 00:24:30,108 together , as we move to a vaccine 601 00:24:30,108 --> 00:24:32,270 phase and distribution phase , you'll 602 00:24:32,270 --> 00:24:34,381 start to see other policies come back 603 00:24:34,381 --> 00:24:36,326 up where people have had attention 604 00:24:36,326 --> 00:24:38,750 focused elsewhere . Yeah , and I really 605 00:24:38,750 --> 00:24:40,750 wanted to give you both a chance to 606 00:24:40,750 --> 00:24:42,917 just highlight those issues . So thank 607 00:24:42,917 --> 00:24:44,806 you for doing so on the following 608 00:24:44,806 --> 00:24:47,083 question , then is related to Colombia . 609 00:24:47,083 --> 00:24:49,194 But it's a broader question as well . 610 00:24:49,194 --> 00:24:51,528 On that is from the command perspective . 611 00:24:51,528 --> 00:24:53,750 Where do you prioritize human rights in 612 00:24:53,750 --> 00:24:55,806 your activities ? And again , I know 613 00:24:55,806 --> 00:24:57,917 that you've talked talked about these 614 00:24:57,917 --> 00:24:59,861 issues many times over the years , 615 00:24:59,861 --> 00:25:02,028 etcetera . But just to give us a sense 616 00:25:02,028 --> 00:25:03,917 of going forward , where do human 617 00:25:03,917 --> 00:25:07,350 rights issues fall ? Let me take that 618 00:25:07,350 --> 00:25:09,406 one , or you wanna go ahead . Let me 619 00:25:09,406 --> 00:25:12,670 start eso the professionalism of 620 00:25:13,240 --> 00:25:16,000 security team and armed forces or 621 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:17,940 police forces . We focus on the 622 00:25:17,950 --> 00:25:21,510 military's is directly 623 00:25:21,520 --> 00:25:24,620 related thio this topic So we talk 624 00:25:24,620 --> 00:25:26,120 about what goes into being 625 00:25:26,120 --> 00:25:28,231 professionals , and it's adherence to 626 00:25:28,231 --> 00:25:31,270 the rule of law . Absolute strict 627 00:25:31,270 --> 00:25:34,510 adherence to human rights . Uh , it's 628 00:25:34,510 --> 00:25:37,560 the valuing team . Teamwork , 629 00:25:37,570 --> 00:25:39,520 noncommissioned officers , women , 630 00:25:39,530 --> 00:25:41,840 women , peace and security . Diversity . 631 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:44,890 Inclusion . Uh , you lose any of that , 632 00:25:44,890 --> 00:25:46,890 you lose your professionalism . But 633 00:25:46,890 --> 00:25:49,223 human rights is at the top of that list , 634 00:25:49,223 --> 00:25:51,470 and we have a very robust human rights 635 00:25:51,470 --> 00:25:54,270 program here at South Come now , 20 636 00:25:54,270 --> 00:25:57,190 plus years in the making . We offer 637 00:25:57,190 --> 00:25:59,920 training we offer , and we have not 638 00:25:59,920 --> 00:26:02,087 stopped in cove It then , in fact , we 639 00:26:02,087 --> 00:26:04,253 figured out that we can expand it with 640 00:26:04,253 --> 00:26:07,880 the virtual world . And it comes up in 641 00:26:07,890 --> 00:26:09,980 every single conversation with 642 00:26:09,990 --> 00:26:11,823 ministers of defense , chiefs of 643 00:26:11,823 --> 00:26:14,620 defense with our embassy teams . As we 644 00:26:14,620 --> 00:26:17,660 work thio work forward a relationship 645 00:26:18,160 --> 00:26:20,350 and our partners air committed to it , 646 00:26:21,040 --> 00:26:22,880 they , many of our partners will 647 00:26:22,880 --> 00:26:24,547 readily admit where they have 648 00:26:24,547 --> 00:26:26,810 imperfections . Uh , we're working to 649 00:26:26,810 --> 00:26:30,180 try to get everybody uh , two is close 650 00:26:30,180 --> 00:26:32,770 to perfect as we can , but certainly , 651 00:26:33,140 --> 00:26:36,050 uh , to a place where we would accept 652 00:26:36,050 --> 00:26:39,480 mistake's but not missed aches that are 653 00:26:39,490 --> 00:26:42,860 a result of violations of human rights 654 00:26:43,240 --> 00:26:45,640 and so strong program vital to what we 655 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:47,900 do . Key to move in a relationship 656 00:26:47,900 --> 00:26:50,450 forward and an area . Common values and 657 00:26:50,450 --> 00:26:53,710 common interest is that we share best 658 00:26:53,710 --> 00:26:56,960 rains , so it's absolutely essential 659 00:26:56,960 --> 00:26:59,670 for public trust . So the trust that a 660 00:26:59,670 --> 00:27:03,310 population put in their military and , 661 00:27:03,310 --> 00:27:05,310 you know , as the military has been 662 00:27:05,310 --> 00:27:07,532 increasingly called upon to engage with 663 00:27:07,532 --> 00:27:10,450 public security think that's where you 664 00:27:10,450 --> 00:27:12,450 see some of those issues you know , 665 00:27:12,450 --> 00:27:14,061 military are not necessarily 666 00:27:14,061 --> 00:27:16,460 necessarily trained in crowd control or 667 00:27:16,640 --> 00:27:19,970 protest control . That's really not a 668 00:27:19,980 --> 00:27:23,330 usual military training exercise . And 669 00:27:23,330 --> 00:27:25,441 so , in the human rights training , I 670 00:27:25,441 --> 00:27:27,552 think countries around the hemisphere 671 00:27:27,552 --> 00:27:29,719 recognized it's absolutely essential . 672 00:27:29,719 --> 00:27:32,070 And the key is not . If you have an 673 00:27:32,070 --> 00:27:34,181 incident , you know we have incidents 674 00:27:34,181 --> 00:27:36,348 in the United States . The key is when 675 00:27:36,348 --> 00:27:38,403 you have an incident that you have a 676 00:27:38,403 --> 00:27:41,800 process and it's transparent . So what 677 00:27:41,800 --> 00:27:43,911 do you do when you have an incident ? 678 00:27:43,911 --> 00:27:46,022 And those are the two real items that 679 00:27:46,022 --> 00:27:48,133 we work with countries on . They have 680 00:27:48,133 --> 00:27:49,967 programs , steps , but there are 681 00:27:49,967 --> 00:27:52,133 incidents , but the key is what you do 682 00:27:52,133 --> 00:27:54,356 and how you react to those , and but it 683 00:27:54,356 --> 00:27:56,590 it comes up in every single key leader 684 00:27:56,590 --> 00:27:58,812 engagement that we do . Human rights is 685 00:27:58,812 --> 00:28:01,034 front and center . It is not negotiable 686 00:28:01,034 --> 00:28:03,201 and and we keep pressing on that , and 687 00:28:03,201 --> 00:28:05,034 our partners are committed to it 688 00:28:05,034 --> 00:28:06,923 because they know that it is what 689 00:28:06,923 --> 00:28:09,000 maintains their legitimacy , their 690 00:28:09,000 --> 00:28:12,930 trust with the population . Very 691 00:28:12,930 --> 00:28:14,986 good . Thank you again for for those 692 00:28:14,986 --> 00:28:17,570 comments . A couple questions on Brazil 693 00:28:17,900 --> 00:28:21,340 Thebe Previous Secretary of Defense Jim 694 00:28:21,340 --> 00:28:25,160 Mattis spent some time with Brazil and 695 00:28:25,170 --> 00:28:27,570 in fact , I believe suggested that the 696 00:28:27,570 --> 00:28:29,292 United States was gonna try to 697 00:28:29,292 --> 00:28:31,292 revolutionize the relationship with 698 00:28:31,292 --> 00:28:33,780 Brazil on I wonder from your 699 00:28:33,780 --> 00:28:35,613 perspective how you all see that 700 00:28:35,613 --> 00:28:37,800 relationship on how you see it 701 00:28:37,800 --> 00:28:39,744 developing , particularly from the 702 00:28:39,744 --> 00:28:41,300 defense and security side . 703 00:28:43,740 --> 00:28:47,160 I think we have revolutionized that 704 00:28:47,160 --> 00:28:49,382 relationship , and we're taking it thio 705 00:28:49,382 --> 00:28:52,680 new levels of of cooperation in the 706 00:28:52,680 --> 00:28:55,750 middle of my realm . Uh , just some 707 00:28:55,750 --> 00:28:58,130 highlights . There's a historic 708 00:28:58,130 --> 00:28:59,908 relationship with Brazil in the 709 00:28:59,908 --> 00:29:02,019 military that dates back to World War 710 00:29:02,019 --> 00:29:04,060 Two . The geography matters . The 711 00:29:04,060 --> 00:29:07,580 Atlantic narrows were prime hunting 712 00:29:07,580 --> 00:29:09,580 grounds for German U boats . Brazil 713 00:29:09,580 --> 00:29:12,400 joined World War Two um , in that 714 00:29:12,400 --> 00:29:14,622 respect to fight the Germans before the 715 00:29:14,622 --> 00:29:17,720 U . S . Did and the historical 716 00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:19,942 relationship between the U . S . Fourth 717 00:29:19,942 --> 00:29:22,164 Fleet being headquartered out of Natale 718 00:29:22,164 --> 00:29:24,300 Brazil eyes not lost on the 719 00:29:24,300 --> 00:29:26,300 significance that we have Brazilian 720 00:29:26,300 --> 00:29:28,411 officers embedded in our fourth fleet 721 00:29:28,411 --> 00:29:30,522 today , so we've set out some goals . 722 00:29:30,522 --> 00:29:33,220 Thio increase our education exchanges 723 00:29:33,230 --> 00:29:36,030 to increase our personnel exchanges to 724 00:29:36,030 --> 00:29:38,800 increase our involvement in each 725 00:29:38,800 --> 00:29:41,530 other's exercises on We're meeting all 726 00:29:41,530 --> 00:29:44,550 those goals , including in a pandemic 727 00:29:44,550 --> 00:29:46,828 environment . And it's not all virtual . 728 00:29:46,828 --> 00:29:49,890 It's riel . Brazil has has agreed and 729 00:29:49,890 --> 00:29:52,112 will participate in some of our highest 730 00:29:52,112 --> 00:29:54,290 and exercise is Aziz First Evers over 731 00:29:54,290 --> 00:29:57,890 the upcoming years . Within months of 732 00:29:57,890 --> 00:30:00,940 asking and the Brazilians offering , we 733 00:30:00,940 --> 00:30:03,630 embedded one of their their sharpest up 734 00:30:03,630 --> 00:30:06,360 and coming to stars right here in our 735 00:30:06,360 --> 00:30:08,540 headquarters as our deputy director of 736 00:30:08,540 --> 00:30:10,590 policy and strategy . We have a 737 00:30:10,590 --> 00:30:12,257 Colombian general here in the 738 00:30:12,257 --> 00:30:14,146 headquarters as well . So the two 739 00:30:14,146 --> 00:30:16,370 pillars of our security cooperation is 740 00:30:16,370 --> 00:30:19,600 hemisphere . The two pillar nations are 741 00:30:19,610 --> 00:30:23,600 Colombian Brazil . And so I see the 742 00:30:23,610 --> 00:30:26,690 relationship moving forward together in 743 00:30:26,690 --> 00:30:29,280 a way that is very positive , very much 744 00:30:29,280 --> 00:30:31,590 in line with the goals that were laid 745 00:30:31,590 --> 00:30:34,810 out by previous secretary defense , the 746 00:30:34,810 --> 00:30:36,699 current secretary defense and the 747 00:30:36,699 --> 00:30:38,254 national defense strategy . 748 00:30:41,440 --> 00:30:42,996 Ambassador comments or no , 749 00:30:49,340 --> 00:30:52,410 you're on you . Yes , it's not it z not 750 00:30:52,410 --> 00:30:54,920 allowing me to a neat myself . So So 751 00:30:54,920 --> 00:30:58,770 stop muting me Eso on Brazil , you know , 752 00:30:58,770 --> 00:31:00,992 absolutely agree There are moments when 753 00:31:00,992 --> 00:31:03,720 the stars align and you can really , uh , 754 00:31:03,730 --> 00:31:06,640 move quickly to pick up agreements that 755 00:31:06,640 --> 00:31:08,600 were on pause or establish new 756 00:31:08,600 --> 00:31:10,767 agreements . And we're in that phase . 757 00:31:10,767 --> 00:31:12,933 And so we're both sides were trying to 758 00:31:12,933 --> 00:31:14,767 take advantage of that to really 759 00:31:14,767 --> 00:31:16,700 solidify and move our partnership 760 00:31:16,710 --> 00:31:18,932 forward . And you see that across every 761 00:31:18,932 --> 00:31:20,940 level . We have an internal process 762 00:31:20,940 --> 00:31:22,829 here where every week we actually 763 00:31:22,829 --> 00:31:24,990 review our relationships with key 764 00:31:24,990 --> 00:31:27,620 partners , and we look at sort of what 765 00:31:27,620 --> 00:31:29,676 are those things that are in process 766 00:31:29,676 --> 00:31:31,842 that will move that partnership to the 767 00:31:31,842 --> 00:31:34,670 next level and on the Brazil won ? It's 768 00:31:34,670 --> 00:31:38,290 basically all green on the side of what 769 00:31:38,290 --> 00:31:40,179 we're trying to do and how we can 770 00:31:40,179 --> 00:31:42,068 strengthen that and meeting those 771 00:31:42,068 --> 00:31:44,179 timelines to really have a meaningful 772 00:31:44,179 --> 00:31:46,401 change in that partnership . So I think 773 00:31:46,401 --> 00:31:48,512 we're in . We're in a good space with 774 00:31:48,512 --> 00:31:50,568 personal Yeah , and the follow up to 775 00:31:50,568 --> 00:31:53,040 that question then , is one that I'm 776 00:31:53,040 --> 00:31:55,640 sure you can't necessarily answer . But 777 00:31:55,650 --> 00:31:57,872 ambassador , of course , us has our own 778 00:31:57,872 --> 00:32:00,094 elections in November and without going 779 00:32:00,094 --> 00:32:02,094 into that process , are what you're 780 00:32:02,094 --> 00:32:04,150 doing with Brazil now . Would you 781 00:32:04,150 --> 00:32:06,560 anticipate that this profile would 782 00:32:06,570 --> 00:32:08,792 continue forward in other words . Is it 783 00:32:08,792 --> 00:32:10,960 an institutionalization at some level 784 00:32:10,960 --> 00:32:13,300 of some of these activities going 785 00:32:13,300 --> 00:32:15,633 forward , or is it subject in some ways , 786 00:32:15,633 --> 00:32:17,633 either to Brazilian or US political 787 00:32:17,633 --> 00:32:20,580 currents ? I'll take that well , 788 00:32:20,590 --> 00:32:23,790 everything . The beautiful , a 789 00:32:23,800 --> 00:32:25,744 beautiful thing about democracy is 790 00:32:25,744 --> 00:32:27,856 everything we do is based on policy , 791 00:32:27,856 --> 00:32:30,440 which derives from politics and one of 792 00:32:30,440 --> 00:32:32,440 the things that I've always enjoyed 793 00:32:32,440 --> 00:32:34,384 about the profession of arms . The 794 00:32:34,384 --> 00:32:36,440 United States is that we and where I 795 00:32:36,440 --> 00:32:38,551 sit here in combat command , we don't 796 00:32:38,551 --> 00:32:40,570 do policy and were prohibited from 797 00:32:40,570 --> 00:32:43,080 participate in politics . So we work 798 00:32:43,080 --> 00:32:44,969 very hard at first and foremost , 799 00:32:44,969 --> 00:32:46,858 looking in the mirror every day , 800 00:32:46,858 --> 00:32:49,080 making sure we're a team that you would 801 00:32:49,080 --> 00:32:51,191 want to partner with . Are we the top 802 00:32:51,191 --> 00:32:53,191 of our game and in all those things 803 00:32:53,191 --> 00:32:55,191 that we should be doing Education , 804 00:32:55,191 --> 00:32:57,520 moral , mental , physical fitness and 805 00:32:57,600 --> 00:33:00,680 and And then we see how that matches 806 00:33:00,680 --> 00:33:02,350 with the partners and when in 807 00:33:02,350 --> 00:33:04,730 conversations with partners , my 808 00:33:04,730 --> 00:33:06,952 partner counterparts from democracies , 809 00:33:07,040 --> 00:33:10,030 all driven from their constitutions , 810 00:33:10,030 --> 00:33:12,030 there's a very similar view . Their 811 00:33:12,030 --> 00:33:14,141 soas long is the policy permits , and 812 00:33:14,141 --> 00:33:16,310 we're in a very good space right now . 813 00:33:16,320 --> 00:33:19,250 We will , we will do as much we can to 814 00:33:19,250 --> 00:33:21,580 ensure that we can fight together , 815 00:33:21,580 --> 00:33:24,440 train together , work together . And 816 00:33:24,450 --> 00:33:26,660 the idea there is that when you're 817 00:33:26,660 --> 00:33:28,771 stronger together , you'll never have 818 00:33:28,771 --> 00:33:31,560 to fight . So , uh , I think we're in a 819 00:33:31,570 --> 00:33:33,681 very good space . For the near turn , 820 00:33:33,681 --> 00:33:36,050 the relationship goes back . So while 821 00:33:36,050 --> 00:33:38,550 we've been ableto leverage the current 822 00:33:38,550 --> 00:33:40,990 policies to move forward and been 823 00:33:40,990 --> 00:33:43,410 tasked to do so , the relationships 824 00:33:43,410 --> 00:33:45,354 goes back and has always . There's 825 00:33:45,354 --> 00:33:47,570 always been this bilateral military 826 00:33:47,580 --> 00:33:49,930 relationship on . We think we can 827 00:33:49,930 --> 00:33:51,930 leverage on that going forward with 828 00:33:51,930 --> 00:33:54,280 strong institution here and strong 829 00:33:54,280 --> 00:33:56,336 institution in Brazil . Ambassador . 830 00:33:56,336 --> 00:33:58,860 Anything to add there ? No , we just 831 00:33:58,860 --> 00:34:01,027 keep plowing ahead . I would say , You 832 00:34:01,027 --> 00:34:03,390 know , the military is very good at 833 00:34:03,400 --> 00:34:05,567 setting those objectives and just keep 834 00:34:05,567 --> 00:34:07,567 pushing every week , and that often 835 00:34:07,567 --> 00:34:09,520 leads to the military institutions 836 00:34:09,520 --> 00:34:11,409 being the strongest or one of the 837 00:34:11,409 --> 00:34:13,631 strongest institutions in the country . 838 00:34:13,631 --> 00:34:15,353 We need that same strength and 839 00:34:15,353 --> 00:34:17,750 consistency across the other key 840 00:34:17,750 --> 00:34:20,020 institutions . So our investments in 841 00:34:20,020 --> 00:34:22,220 the judicial sector , our investments 842 00:34:22,220 --> 00:34:25,390 in anti corruption , our investments in 843 00:34:25,400 --> 00:34:27,880 all of those rule of law elements so 844 00:34:27,880 --> 00:34:29,824 that you have that same you know , 845 00:34:29,824 --> 00:34:31,880 freedom of the press , all the other 846 00:34:31,880 --> 00:34:34,047 key institutions that make a democracy 847 00:34:34,047 --> 00:34:36,680 a robust democracy . That consistency 848 00:34:36,680 --> 00:34:39,890 and attention have toe also go on those 849 00:34:39,890 --> 00:34:42,570 pillars so that you have that balance 850 00:34:42,570 --> 00:34:45,670 of power across the Democratic spectrum . 851 00:34:46,340 --> 00:34:48,451 I'm so glad you both brought into the 852 00:34:48,451 --> 00:34:50,618 conversation the historic relationship 853 00:34:50,618 --> 00:34:52,784 the U S has had with Brazil . I mean , 854 00:34:52,784 --> 00:34:55,007 the commentary these days is you know , 855 00:34:55,007 --> 00:34:57,118 this is we newly discovered Brazil or 856 00:34:57,118 --> 00:34:59,062 something , but this is going back 857 00:34:59,062 --> 00:35:01,284 years , centuries . Even so , thank you 858 00:35:01,284 --> 00:35:03,507 for that good perspective . Let's go to 859 00:35:03,507 --> 00:35:05,396 from one difficult question to an 860 00:35:05,396 --> 00:35:07,729 easier question . Venezuela , Obviously , 861 00:35:07,729 --> 00:35:10,320 I'm saying that tongue in cheek lots of 862 00:35:10,320 --> 00:35:13,090 questions about Venezuela , um , one 863 00:35:13,090 --> 00:35:16,260 specific one . And again , this'll is 864 00:35:16,260 --> 00:35:18,260 not on the record session . So feel 865 00:35:18,260 --> 00:35:20,427 free to answer this how you wish . But 866 00:35:20,427 --> 00:35:23,720 the lifeline of Venezuelan gas is 867 00:35:23,720 --> 00:35:26,440 really coming from Iran . And Admiral , 868 00:35:26,440 --> 00:35:28,662 you mentioned there and in your opening 869 00:35:28,662 --> 00:35:30,773 comments as a malign influence in the 870 00:35:30,773 --> 00:35:32,850 region . Um , what can be done about 871 00:35:32,850 --> 00:35:34,970 these issues ? Should we do something 872 00:35:34,970 --> 00:35:38,170 about them ? Is there some thing that 873 00:35:38,170 --> 00:35:40,337 from the private sector perspective we 874 00:35:40,337 --> 00:35:42,448 should be aware of as well ? I wonder 875 00:35:42,448 --> 00:35:44,670 if you could just help us think through 876 00:35:44,670 --> 00:35:46,670 these very riel on riel time issues 877 00:35:46,670 --> 00:35:47,948 that are complicated . 878 00:35:50,740 --> 00:35:54,230 So the one of our were in support of 879 00:35:54,230 --> 00:35:56,341 the U . S . Government policy and and 880 00:35:56,341 --> 00:35:58,508 the U . S . Government policy has been 881 00:35:58,508 --> 00:36:00,563 to accelerate to the transition to a 882 00:36:00,563 --> 00:36:03,080 legitimate government . Uh , and we 883 00:36:03,080 --> 00:36:05,080 have frequent dialogue with all the 884 00:36:05,080 --> 00:36:06,870 players in the U . S . Special 885 00:36:06,870 --> 00:36:09,092 representative Abrams being one of them 886 00:36:09,092 --> 00:36:11,092 about how , how the how the best do 887 00:36:11,092 --> 00:36:13,400 that that we do in the military . 888 00:36:13,400 --> 00:36:15,178 What's called center of gravity 889 00:36:15,178 --> 00:36:17,233 analysis . What is key ? What is the 890 00:36:17,233 --> 00:36:19,850 center of gravity to To the Maduro ? 891 00:36:19,850 --> 00:36:22,980 Staying in power to the Chavista is 892 00:36:22,980 --> 00:36:24,850 holding on to their ironclad 893 00:36:24,850 --> 00:36:27,730 dictatorship , grip and ruination of 894 00:36:27,730 --> 00:36:29,563 country . And it really is these 895 00:36:29,563 --> 00:36:32,330 external state actors . So it's Cuba . 896 00:36:32,340 --> 00:36:34,507 So while they're within the hemisphere 897 00:36:34,507 --> 00:36:37,330 external to Venezuela and the tens of 898 00:36:37,330 --> 00:36:39,370 thousands of Cubans that surround 899 00:36:39,370 --> 00:36:41,481 Maduro , protect Maduro , control the 900 00:36:41,481 --> 00:36:44,550 Intel services and have having 901 00:36:44,560 --> 00:36:48,540 uneconomic lifeline to Maduro is , well , 902 00:36:49,000 --> 00:36:51,290 an interdependent lifeline . In many 903 00:36:51,290 --> 00:36:54,980 respects , there's Russia , who has 904 00:36:54,980 --> 00:36:57,091 had a longstanding relation there and 905 00:36:57,091 --> 00:36:59,369 economic one , but also a military one . 906 00:36:59,369 --> 00:37:01,647 And while they're not in the thousands , 907 00:37:01,647 --> 00:37:03,702 they are in the hundreds and they're 908 00:37:03,702 --> 00:37:05,702 working day in and day out . Thio , 909 00:37:05,702 --> 00:37:07,424 really , in many respects just 910 00:37:07,424 --> 00:37:09,340 undermine US interests or or 911 00:37:09,340 --> 00:37:11,740 international legitimacy in the problem . 912 00:37:11,740 --> 00:37:15,170 Set . China . China's active their 913 00:37:15,180 --> 00:37:18,420 large , large debt leverage . But it 914 00:37:18,420 --> 00:37:21,580 goes beyond that and and with the 915 00:37:21,580 --> 00:37:23,913 certainty of Russia and China alignment , 916 00:37:23,913 --> 00:37:26,110 the U . N uh , there's not been the 917 00:37:26,120 --> 00:37:28,360 ability to have a true international 918 00:37:28,360 --> 00:37:30,740 unity that would shift this , uh , 919 00:37:31,330 --> 00:37:33,730 democracy to a legitimate democracy . 920 00:37:33,730 --> 00:37:36,070 That's for the people . Enter Iran . 921 00:37:36,070 --> 00:37:38,590 Iran relationship is not new , but it 922 00:37:38,590 --> 00:37:42,160 has , uh , has grown in intensity over 923 00:37:42,160 --> 00:37:45,770 the last few months . Iran sees , uh , 924 00:37:45,780 --> 00:37:49,730 ability and opportunity . Thio create 925 00:37:49,730 --> 00:37:51,786 mischief here in our neighborhood in 926 00:37:51,786 --> 00:37:54,140 this hemisphere and also an opportunity 927 00:37:54,140 --> 00:37:57,650 for both economic 928 00:37:57,660 --> 00:38:01,600 and other leverage . And so it's not 929 00:38:01,600 --> 00:38:04,110 just oil deliveries . It goes beyond 930 00:38:04,110 --> 00:38:06,110 that . The opening of a supermarket 931 00:38:06,110 --> 00:38:09,520 chain , mildew mill involvement could 932 00:38:09,520 --> 00:38:12,670 force , uh , significantly an alarming 933 00:38:12,680 --> 00:38:15,460 from Iran in this hemisphere . So what ? 934 00:38:15,460 --> 00:38:17,516 What can be done ? I think the U . S 935 00:38:17,516 --> 00:38:20,170 sanctions air in the U . S . Economic 936 00:38:20,170 --> 00:38:24,100 pressure on the regime and on Iran is 937 00:38:24,100 --> 00:38:26,890 part of the equation . It's ensuring 938 00:38:26,890 --> 00:38:30,190 that in the in the complex efforts that 939 00:38:30,190 --> 00:38:32,310 nation states goto work around those 940 00:38:32,310 --> 00:38:34,690 sanctions , uh , that everyone has eyes 941 00:38:34,690 --> 00:38:36,690 wide open toe . What's happening in 942 00:38:36,690 --> 00:38:40,380 that world and the stat 943 00:38:40,390 --> 00:38:43,570 of 60% of the world's crypto currency 944 00:38:43,580 --> 00:38:47,310 is in this hemisphere is alive and well 945 00:38:47,310 --> 00:38:49,780 in the Venezuelan problem set on dso 946 00:38:49,780 --> 00:38:51,891 I'm broadening the answer beyond Iran 947 00:38:51,891 --> 00:38:53,947 because I think it all fits together 948 00:38:53,947 --> 00:38:57,410 like the complex we've of the most 949 00:38:57,410 --> 00:38:59,632 intricate Persian rub all these various 950 00:38:59,632 --> 00:39:03,600 factors which have led to the prolonged 951 00:39:03,600 --> 00:39:06,640 agony and the slow shift towards 952 00:39:06,640 --> 00:39:09,650 democracy . I get often asked , Well , 953 00:39:09,650 --> 00:39:11,872 why is it taking so long ? Why hasn't , 954 00:39:11,872 --> 00:39:14,000 uh , the U . S efforts work ? And I'd 955 00:39:14,000 --> 00:39:16,222 say the U . S efforts have worked . The 956 00:39:16,222 --> 00:39:18,222 international effort has worked not 957 00:39:18,222 --> 00:39:20,444 fast enough for the Venezuelan people . 958 00:39:20,444 --> 00:39:22,667 But it took a generation to get to this 959 00:39:22,667 --> 00:39:24,778 point on . It's gonna take a while to 960 00:39:24,778 --> 00:39:27,400 unpack . It represented Abrams 961 00:39:27,410 --> 00:39:29,640 Framework for Democracy . Democratic 962 00:39:29,640 --> 00:39:33,180 Transfer is is a solid framework that I 963 00:39:33,180 --> 00:39:35,650 know is being worked daily fast remains . 964 00:39:37,020 --> 00:39:39,131 Once that point comes , you know , we 965 00:39:39,131 --> 00:39:41,730 are engaged in regular what is referred 966 00:39:41,730 --> 00:39:44,610 to his day after planning . Uh , I 967 00:39:44,610 --> 00:39:46,490 refer to it Maura's decade after 968 00:39:46,490 --> 00:39:48,970 planning because it really is gonna be 969 00:39:48,980 --> 00:39:51,147 the rebuilding of a country , and that 970 00:39:51,147 --> 00:39:53,369 will be led by Venezuelans that will be 971 00:39:53,369 --> 00:39:55,591 done with international partners but it 972 00:39:55,591 --> 00:39:57,758 will be across every sector , not just 973 00:39:57,758 --> 00:39:59,869 key institutions like the military or 974 00:39:59,869 --> 00:40:01,758 freedom of the press . But you're 975 00:40:01,758 --> 00:40:03,813 talking about entire industries that 976 00:40:03,813 --> 00:40:05,980 we're gonna have to be rebuilt . So it 977 00:40:05,980 --> 00:40:08,147 really is a decade after planning that 978 00:40:08,147 --> 00:40:10,424 will involve , as you mentioned , Eric , 979 00:40:10,424 --> 00:40:12,424 the private sector in a big way not 980 00:40:12,424 --> 00:40:14,480 just from the United States but from 981 00:40:14,480 --> 00:40:15,980 Venezuelans and from other 982 00:40:15,980 --> 00:40:18,147 international community members . When 983 00:40:18,147 --> 00:40:20,036 that day comes and so South comes 984 00:40:20,036 --> 00:40:22,036 regularly engaged in those planning 985 00:40:22,036 --> 00:40:24,258 sessions with the U . S . Government as 986 00:40:24,258 --> 00:40:26,313 well as our international partners e 987 00:40:26,313 --> 00:40:28,147 wanna pick up that point , too , 988 00:40:28,147 --> 00:40:30,258 because a couple of people have asked 989 00:40:30,258 --> 00:40:32,591 questions about the private sector . Um , 990 00:40:32,591 --> 00:40:34,647 Ambassador , you just mentioned that 991 00:40:34,647 --> 00:40:36,702 very appreciate very much appreciate 992 00:40:36,702 --> 00:40:38,758 the Segway . Andi . Also , Admiral , 993 00:40:38,758 --> 00:40:40,924 you've mentioned crypto a couple times 994 00:40:40,924 --> 00:40:43,036 with the extraordinary statistic that 995 00:40:43,036 --> 00:40:45,040 60% of the world crypto is from the 996 00:40:45,040 --> 00:40:47,730 Western Hemisphere . Um , you know , 997 00:40:47,740 --> 00:40:50,160 one of the key threats that you 998 00:40:50,160 --> 00:40:52,271 mentioned in the initial presentation 999 00:40:52,271 --> 00:40:54,271 transnational criminal activities , 1000 00:40:54,271 --> 00:40:56,580 cyber and fisheries . I want to focus 1001 00:40:56,580 --> 00:40:59,050 on the cyber for just a second . It's a 1002 00:40:59,050 --> 00:41:02,130 new day . Uh , it's something that 1003 00:41:02,130 --> 00:41:04,297 probably a lot of folks haven't really 1004 00:41:04,297 --> 00:41:06,130 focused on even though it's been 1005 00:41:06,130 --> 00:41:08,297 ongoing for a bit . Aziz , well as the 1006 00:41:08,297 --> 00:41:10,519 new media environment in the context of 1007 00:41:10,519 --> 00:41:12,686 social media , which is really causing 1008 00:41:12,686 --> 00:41:15,470 some new and interesting questions 1009 00:41:15,470 --> 00:41:17,830 across a region where democracy isn't 1010 00:41:17,830 --> 00:41:20,820 always completely secure in that 1011 00:41:20,820 --> 00:41:23,940 context and based on the audience that 1012 00:41:23,940 --> 00:41:26,710 we have this afternoon , how are you 1013 00:41:26,710 --> 00:41:28,877 all working with the private sector to 1014 00:41:28,877 --> 00:41:31,099 try to get it ? Some of these very riel 1015 00:41:31,099 --> 00:41:33,321 security issues , cyber issues , social 1016 00:41:33,321 --> 00:41:36,590 media , recognizing the imperative of 1017 00:41:36,590 --> 00:41:38,880 free media and democratic process , all 1018 00:41:38,880 --> 00:41:40,658 of these things . It's a really 1019 00:41:40,658 --> 00:41:42,769 complicated environment . How are you 1020 00:41:42,769 --> 00:41:44,936 thinking these through ? And are there 1021 00:41:44,936 --> 00:41:46,824 ways that from the private sector 1022 00:41:46,824 --> 00:41:48,936 perspective , we can partnering for a 1023 00:41:48,936 --> 00:41:50,936 better outcome for democracy in the 1024 00:41:50,936 --> 00:41:52,936 region ? You know , Eric , you keep 1025 00:41:52,936 --> 00:41:52,840 saying these questions are easy . They 1026 00:41:52,840 --> 00:41:56,010 keep getting hard . Thanks a lot . I'm 1027 00:41:56,010 --> 00:41:58,232 just reflecting what people are sending 1028 00:41:58,232 --> 00:42:01,600 e because we got a really great bunch 1029 00:42:01,600 --> 00:42:03,656 of thoughtful , smart people here on 1030 00:42:03,656 --> 00:42:07,020 the line . So I would say we directly 1031 00:42:07,020 --> 00:42:09,870 work , uh , when we work in our 1032 00:42:09,870 --> 00:42:12,060 bilateral relationships or with the 1033 00:42:12,060 --> 00:42:14,590 multinational organizations here in the 1034 00:42:14,590 --> 00:42:16,423 hemisphere for an exercise , for 1035 00:42:16,423 --> 00:42:19,880 example , we do work a component of 1036 00:42:19,890 --> 00:42:22,001 public private interface to that . So 1037 00:42:22,001 --> 00:42:25,080 I'll use , uh , two deployments of the 1038 00:42:25,080 --> 00:42:26,969 United States Naval Hospital Ship 1039 00:42:26,969 --> 00:42:29,540 Comfort as an example . So as a result 1040 00:42:29,540 --> 00:42:31,596 of Secretary defense Mattis visit to 1041 00:42:31,596 --> 00:42:33,484 the region in August of 2018 . He 1042 00:42:33,484 --> 00:42:35,590 ordered comfort on a short notice 1043 00:42:35,600 --> 00:42:38,110 deployment to the region to alleviate 1044 00:42:38,110 --> 00:42:40,221 the stress caused by the humanitarian 1045 00:42:40,221 --> 00:42:42,388 crisis in Venezuela to the surrounding 1046 00:42:42,388 --> 00:42:44,590 neighbors , health care and social 1047 00:42:44,590 --> 00:42:47,920 systems . A significant piece of that 1048 00:42:47,920 --> 00:42:51,270 deployment is private and public 1049 00:42:51,280 --> 00:42:53,810 partnerships . Doctors without Borders 1050 00:42:53,820 --> 00:42:57,020 and I could go on the , uh , the 1051 00:42:57,020 --> 00:42:59,460 organizations , the spirit of America 1052 00:42:59,470 --> 00:43:03,090 and in terms of donations and people 1053 00:43:03,100 --> 00:43:05,390 stepping forward , university students 1054 00:43:05,390 --> 00:43:07,630 and others . And , uh and it's just 1055 00:43:07,630 --> 00:43:10,500 really a true partnership example . We 1056 00:43:10,500 --> 00:43:12,950 have a team here in our headquarters 1057 00:43:12,950 --> 00:43:16,080 that works those relations daily . Uh , 1058 00:43:16,090 --> 00:43:18,201 in fact , they worked thio . A couple 1059 00:43:18,201 --> 00:43:20,368 of them work to set up today's event . 1060 00:43:20,368 --> 00:43:23,480 They work our public face of of , uh , 1061 00:43:23,490 --> 00:43:26,860 in private face of South come and have 1062 00:43:26,870 --> 00:43:28,981 really , I think in a very thoughtful 1063 00:43:28,981 --> 00:43:31,300 way , uh , figured out how to leverage 1064 00:43:31,300 --> 00:43:33,411 that within all the legal constraints 1065 00:43:33,411 --> 00:43:35,411 that we have to make a difference . 1066 00:43:35,411 --> 00:43:37,920 Sometimes we can use our logistics or 1067 00:43:37,920 --> 00:43:40,840 access footprint to help private 1068 00:43:40,840 --> 00:43:43,590 industry deliver important humanitarian 1069 00:43:43,590 --> 00:43:45,812 assistance that they otherwise wouldn't 1070 00:43:45,812 --> 00:43:48,034 think of . We're currently working with 1071 00:43:48,034 --> 00:43:51,410 the , uh , the Colombian Rehabilitation 1072 00:43:51,420 --> 00:43:53,830 Hospital , which is at capacity for 1073 00:43:53,830 --> 00:43:56,500 their their soldiers that get wounded 1074 00:43:56,500 --> 00:43:59,040 in the field , in line of duty , on 1075 00:43:59,040 --> 00:44:01,800 working Cem . Public private ways to 1076 00:44:01,800 --> 00:44:04,060 help strengthen where I can't do it . 1077 00:44:04,060 --> 00:44:06,730 But others could s Oh , that is a real 1078 00:44:06,730 --> 00:44:08,619 tangible way to get after threats 1079 00:44:08,619 --> 00:44:10,174 because we're strengthening 1080 00:44:10,174 --> 00:44:12,420 institutions , which is the best way . 1081 00:44:12,790 --> 00:44:15,660 Second , uh , comfort deployment , same 1082 00:44:15,660 --> 00:44:19,300 story , robust support from private 1083 00:44:19,300 --> 00:44:21,522 industry and public institutions across 1084 00:44:21,522 --> 00:44:23,744 the hemisphere . We're gonna do another 1085 00:44:23,744 --> 00:44:25,689 comfort deployment next year we're 1086 00:44:25,689 --> 00:44:25,140 planning for . We're gonna put out 1087 00:44:25,140 --> 00:44:27,640 another call for support through our 1088 00:44:27,640 --> 00:44:29,696 headquarters . So for those that are 1089 00:44:29,696 --> 00:44:31,862 plugged in today , you know , jot that 1090 00:44:31,862 --> 00:44:34,120 down if it if it fits in in terms of 1091 00:44:34,120 --> 00:44:37,270 what your organization can offer . The 1092 00:44:37,280 --> 00:44:41,170 cyber piece of this is is mawr by with 1093 00:44:41,170 --> 00:44:43,750 and through United States Cyber Command . 1094 00:44:43,760 --> 00:44:46,020 So while we are a geographic combatant 1095 00:44:46,020 --> 00:44:47,742 Commander , we have functional 1096 00:44:47,742 --> 00:44:49,742 combatant commanders . They are the 1097 00:44:49,742 --> 00:44:52,230 lead . We have , uh , we have a 1098 00:44:52,240 --> 00:44:54,184 framework for prioritization and a 1099 00:44:54,184 --> 00:44:56,129 framework to work with our partner 1100 00:44:56,129 --> 00:44:58,170 nations on that we also have worked 1101 00:44:58,170 --> 00:45:01,440 with the the I . A . D . 1102 00:45:01,440 --> 00:45:05,380 C and recently hosted a week long cyber 1103 00:45:05,390 --> 00:45:07,630 conference where we were a co host 1104 00:45:07,630 --> 00:45:09,463 along with offices , secretary , 1105 00:45:09,463 --> 00:45:12,980 defense , cyber on demand and and 1106 00:45:12,980 --> 00:45:15,147 talked about ways . There's all public 1107 00:45:15,147 --> 00:45:17,450 but talked about ways Thio enhance 1108 00:45:17,450 --> 00:45:19,617 cybersecurity , since cybersecurity is 1109 00:45:19,617 --> 00:45:21,950 so much Ah , place . As you pointed out , 1110 00:45:21,950 --> 00:45:24,460 Eric were public and private really 1111 00:45:24,460 --> 00:45:26,700 blend . And where the authorities 1112 00:45:26,700 --> 00:45:30,300 differ , uh , by nation , it's complex 1113 00:45:30,300 --> 00:45:32,450 enough here in the US with role . 1114 00:45:32,450 --> 00:45:34,228 Homeland security is versus the 1115 00:45:34,228 --> 00:45:36,061 Department of Defense , and it's 1116 00:45:36,061 --> 00:45:38,339 equally complex in our partner nations . 1117 00:45:38,690 --> 00:45:40,980 We have team here in our headquarters 1118 00:45:40,980 --> 00:45:43,680 that focuses on this both for internal 1119 00:45:43,680 --> 00:45:45,900 defense and to help our partners with 1120 00:45:45,900 --> 00:45:47,900 their defense . And we deploy those 1121 00:45:47,900 --> 00:45:51,080 teams , and we also have teams that 1122 00:45:51,090 --> 00:45:53,090 come to us from cyber calm , and we 1123 00:45:53,090 --> 00:45:56,090 deploy those teams same same types of 1124 00:45:56,090 --> 00:45:58,470 activities . We also have offensive 1125 00:45:58,470 --> 00:46:00,637 teams to do the things you would think 1126 00:46:00,637 --> 00:46:02,748 we might be doing at a level we can't 1127 00:46:02,748 --> 00:46:05,080 talk about , uh , in that realm and and 1128 00:46:05,080 --> 00:46:07,800 in some respects , that blends over to 1129 00:46:07,800 --> 00:46:09,967 what you talked about in information . 1130 00:46:09,967 --> 00:46:12,210 Because much of the cyber when we think 1131 00:46:12,210 --> 00:46:15,390 of cyber the backbone of the systems . 1132 00:46:15,400 --> 00:46:17,622 It's the information that sent on those 1133 00:46:17,622 --> 00:46:21,220 that is being used or misused or stolen , 1134 00:46:21,580 --> 00:46:25,000 um , or replicated or all the above in 1135 00:46:25,000 --> 00:46:28,090 ways that undermine business . 1136 00:46:28,580 --> 00:46:31,750 Uh oh , and undermine security . I 1137 00:46:31,750 --> 00:46:34,470 noted upfront China's role and what 1138 00:46:34,470 --> 00:46:37,600 China has done globally . And I say the 1139 00:46:37,600 --> 00:46:40,750 threats from Chinese industry and 1140 00:46:40,750 --> 00:46:43,390 Chinese intrusion into this realm are 1141 00:46:43,390 --> 00:46:46,040 riel and they're alarming . And I say 1142 00:46:46,040 --> 00:46:48,730 to partners , Look , I'm asking you to 1143 00:46:48,730 --> 00:46:50,841 choose so you're gonna partner with . 1144 00:46:50,841 --> 00:46:52,640 But when you you go so far in a 1145 00:46:52,640 --> 00:46:55,660 partnership with China , you will 1146 00:46:55,660 --> 00:46:57,827 ensure that it's not a backdoor , that 1147 00:46:57,827 --> 00:47:01,340 it's a it's an open pipe to Beijing . 1148 00:47:01,340 --> 00:47:03,860 And then at some point , our ability to 1149 00:47:03,860 --> 00:47:05,916 have a trusted relationship which is 1150 00:47:05,916 --> 00:47:07,770 key to everything we do will be 1151 00:47:07,780 --> 00:47:11,400 jeopardized . Best remains so on 1152 00:47:11,400 --> 00:47:13,400 cyber , as admin follow pointed out 1153 00:47:13,400 --> 00:47:15,456 earlier , it is in the top three for 1154 00:47:15,456 --> 00:47:17,660 every single chief of defense minister 1155 00:47:17,660 --> 00:47:20,010 of security on area . They need 1156 00:47:20,020 --> 00:47:22,187 assistance with and every countries at 1157 00:47:22,187 --> 00:47:24,520 a different place , as you might expect . 1158 00:47:24,520 --> 00:47:26,687 And so some countries , if you look on 1159 00:47:26,687 --> 00:47:28,853 a scale of 1 to 10 and where countries 1160 00:47:28,853 --> 00:47:30,909 are on cybersecurity , you know some 1161 00:47:30,909 --> 00:47:33,076 countries air really at a two and some 1162 00:47:33,076 --> 00:47:35,409 countries may be it a seven or an eight . 1163 00:47:35,409 --> 00:47:37,631 And so a lot of it is just leveling the 1164 00:47:37,631 --> 00:47:39,798 playing field , leveling the knowledge 1165 00:47:39,798 --> 00:47:42,076 base of what do you even mean by cyber ? 1166 00:47:42,076 --> 00:47:44,242 What do you actually looking for ? And 1167 00:47:44,242 --> 00:47:46,464 then that helps direct you to who's the 1168 00:47:46,464 --> 00:47:48,353 best to partner with that . It is 1169 00:47:48,353 --> 00:47:50,464 things you know that we're looking at 1170 00:47:50,464 --> 00:47:52,687 in terms of the high end stuff . That's 1171 00:47:52,687 --> 00:47:54,631 a different conversation . If it's 1172 00:47:54,631 --> 00:47:57,050 basically in the 234 category 56 you 1173 00:47:57,050 --> 00:47:59,272 know there's a lot of partnerships that 1174 00:47:59,272 --> 00:48:01,383 are happening with the private sector 1175 00:48:01,383 --> 00:48:03,272 that can work those relationships 1176 00:48:03,272 --> 00:48:05,820 directly with host host governments and 1177 00:48:05,820 --> 00:48:08,042 get people up to speed on that . But it 1178 00:48:08,042 --> 00:48:10,153 is a conversation . People raise it . 1179 00:48:10,153 --> 00:48:12,264 People know they should be working in 1180 00:48:12,264 --> 00:48:13,820 it . It just depends on the 1181 00:48:13,820 --> 00:48:15,987 sophistication level in the investment 1182 00:48:15,987 --> 00:48:17,987 level that countries have chosen to 1183 00:48:17,987 --> 00:48:20,720 make in this ever evolving field . And 1184 00:48:20,720 --> 00:48:23,760 so that gets into the partnership theme 1185 00:48:23,760 --> 00:48:25,871 that Admiral Follow was talking about 1186 00:48:25,871 --> 00:48:27,871 you as we get into the year ahead . 1187 00:48:27,871 --> 00:48:29,649 This is a critical year in this 1188 00:48:29,649 --> 00:48:31,704 hemisphere . No doubt about it . You 1189 00:48:31,704 --> 00:48:33,871 have devastated economies , devastated 1190 00:48:33,871 --> 00:48:36,480 budgets , unemployment's high and how 1191 00:48:36,480 --> 00:48:39,510 we all respond collectively to that 1192 00:48:39,510 --> 00:48:41,399 will determine the future of this 1193 00:48:41,399 --> 00:48:43,510 hemisphere . So it's got to be all in 1194 00:48:43,670 --> 00:48:46,630 and by all in that means , you know , 1195 00:48:46,640 --> 00:48:48,870 aggressively looking at the relocation 1196 00:48:48,870 --> 00:48:51,720 of supply chains , everything from 1197 00:48:51,730 --> 00:48:55,420 pharmaceuticals to a fish processing . 1198 00:48:55,420 --> 00:48:57,420 Since we were talking about illegal 1199 00:48:57,420 --> 00:48:59,364 fishing , there's a whole range of 1200 00:48:59,364 --> 00:49:01,142 things that could and should be 1201 00:49:01,142 --> 00:49:03,142 relocated to this hemisphere . It's 1202 00:49:03,142 --> 00:49:05,309 about finding the right countries with 1203 00:49:05,309 --> 00:49:07,198 the right environment and getting 1204 00:49:07,198 --> 00:49:09,253 countries to step up and say , Hey , 1205 00:49:09,253 --> 00:49:11,309 come to my country . It's gonna be a 1206 00:49:11,309 --> 00:49:13,309 difficult moment , but that doesn't 1207 00:49:13,309 --> 00:49:15,364 mean they're not opportunities . But 1208 00:49:15,364 --> 00:49:17,476 over the next 69 12 months , it's got 1209 00:49:17,476 --> 00:49:19,309 to be an all in from the U . S . 1210 00:49:19,309 --> 00:49:21,531 Government from the private sector from 1211 00:49:21,531 --> 00:49:23,940 the NGOs to get through and stabilize 1212 00:49:23,940 --> 00:49:26,218 the region during this critical period . 1213 00:49:27,270 --> 00:49:29,450 Yeah , these are tough questions , I 1214 00:49:29,460 --> 00:49:32,070 acknowledge . But you all are giving 1215 00:49:32,080 --> 00:49:34,660 unbelievably fine answers . So thank 1216 00:49:34,660 --> 00:49:37,070 you . You are really impressive 1217 00:49:37,070 --> 00:49:40,130 responses and really clarifying and 1218 00:49:40,130 --> 00:49:42,352 putting , putting them in just a really 1219 00:49:42,352 --> 00:49:44,686 helpful framework for us to think about . 1220 00:49:44,686 --> 00:49:46,241 Our time is not unlimited , 1221 00:49:46,241 --> 00:49:48,463 unfortunately , but we do have a couple 1222 00:49:48,463 --> 00:49:50,630 additional questions . I'd like to get 1223 00:49:50,630 --> 00:49:52,519 Thio if we can move up from South 1224 00:49:52,519 --> 00:49:54,630 America a little bit further north to 1225 00:49:54,630 --> 00:49:56,574 Central America . Thing is where I 1226 00:49:56,574 --> 00:49:58,297 started my career in the State 1227 00:49:58,297 --> 00:50:00,352 Department way back in 1990 . Invest 1228 00:50:00,352 --> 00:50:02,241 remains . I think I beat you by a 1229 00:50:02,241 --> 00:50:03,741 couple of years , but were 1230 00:50:03,741 --> 00:50:05,797 contemporaries . But Central America 1231 00:50:05,797 --> 00:50:07,940 has had an outsized role in U . S . 1232 00:50:07,940 --> 00:50:09,884 Foreign policy towards the Western 1233 00:50:09,884 --> 00:50:11,829 Hemisphere . Things there remained 1234 00:50:11,829 --> 00:50:13,718 challenging not just in the three 1235 00:50:13,718 --> 00:50:16,080 countries of the northern part of the 1236 00:50:16,090 --> 00:50:18,312 isthmus , but indeed the entire isthmus 1237 00:50:18,312 --> 00:50:20,423 e . I wonder how you all are thinking 1238 00:50:20,423 --> 00:50:22,590 about some of those issues . Nicaragua 1239 00:50:22,590 --> 00:50:24,812 has kind of been taken out and put in a 1240 00:50:24,812 --> 00:50:26,646 different category , but clearly 1241 00:50:26,646 --> 00:50:28,479 geographically , it's still very 1242 00:50:28,479 --> 00:50:30,479 importance in terms of relationship 1243 00:50:30,479 --> 00:50:32,701 with Costa Rica , Honduras , etcetera . 1244 00:50:32,701 --> 00:50:35,034 So I mean , you all know that . But how ? 1245 00:50:35,034 --> 00:50:37,257 How should we be thinking about Central 1246 00:50:37,257 --> 00:50:36,800 America ? More importantly , how are 1247 00:50:36,800 --> 00:50:38,744 you thinking about Central America 1248 00:50:38,744 --> 00:50:42,080 during this time ? The 1249 00:50:43,660 --> 00:50:45,670 first of all thinking of them 1250 00:50:45,680 --> 00:50:47,830 individually ? Because as we as you 1251 00:50:47,830 --> 00:50:50,610 unpack , that each country has unique 1252 00:50:50,610 --> 00:50:52,590 challenges . And then there's the 1253 00:50:52,600 --> 00:50:54,540 challenge that you would from 1254 00:50:54,540 --> 00:50:56,651 transaction criminalization is that , 1255 00:50:56,651 --> 00:50:59,410 uh , encompasses all of them ? The the 1256 00:50:59,410 --> 00:51:01,390 nexus between what's going on in 1257 00:51:01,390 --> 00:51:03,990 Venezuela and Central America is also 1258 00:51:03,990 --> 00:51:06,660 an area that we were focused on the the 1259 00:51:06,670 --> 00:51:08,337 significant increase in narco 1260 00:51:08,337 --> 00:51:10,950 trafficking up through the Caribbean as 1261 00:51:10,950 --> 00:51:13,430 opposed to a few years ago . Uh , that 1262 00:51:13,430 --> 00:51:16,710 is , uh , targeted into Honduras . And 1263 00:51:16,720 --> 00:51:20,660 Guatemala is real key area of our focus . 1264 00:51:20,660 --> 00:51:23,530 And how do we work through our Joint 1265 00:51:23,530 --> 00:51:25,830 Interagency Task Force South , which is 1266 00:51:26,350 --> 00:51:29,790 the tactical command ? It works for me 1267 00:51:29,800 --> 00:51:32,022 when I say tactical , that's day in and 1268 00:51:32,022 --> 00:51:34,370 day out in this counter transnational 1269 00:51:34,370 --> 00:51:36,537 criminal organization fight and you've 1270 00:51:36,537 --> 00:51:40,470 got 20 plus partner nations and 1271 00:51:40,480 --> 00:51:44,190 every agency in the U . S . Government 1272 00:51:44,760 --> 00:51:47,220 at that command , we have Mexico , the 1273 00:51:47,220 --> 00:51:49,164 Command Netherlands of the Command 1274 00:51:49,164 --> 00:51:52,850 Canada , the Dutch French , all working 1275 00:51:52,850 --> 00:51:55,017 together on our shared interests . The 1276 00:51:55,017 --> 00:51:57,183 problems that and a lot of that shared 1277 00:51:57,183 --> 00:51:59,461 interest is focused in Central America . 1278 00:51:59,461 --> 00:52:02,260 We are really also focused with State 1279 00:52:02,260 --> 00:52:05,160 Department since the the key is 1280 00:52:05,170 --> 00:52:07,820 sustainable . Security here is getting 1281 00:52:07,820 --> 00:52:11,200 after the economic factors that really 1282 00:52:11,200 --> 00:52:13,790 undermine much of the reason why people 1283 00:52:13,800 --> 00:52:16,000 migrate . What much of the reason why 1284 00:52:16,000 --> 00:52:18,880 people choose to ah different form of 1285 00:52:18,880 --> 00:52:22,130 economic uh uh , livelihood 1286 00:52:22,140 --> 00:52:25,890 illegally ? Why they see corruption 1287 00:52:25,900 --> 00:52:29,720 on Cove . It is . Another aspect now is 1288 00:52:29,720 --> 00:52:31,980 we've is we work thio same sorts of 1289 00:52:31,980 --> 00:52:33,980 humanitarian assistance that invest 1290 00:52:33,980 --> 00:52:35,980 remains mentioned . Overall , we're 1291 00:52:35,980 --> 00:52:38,036 very focused on and our top projects 1292 00:52:38,036 --> 00:52:40,430 and numbers of projects out of the long 1293 00:52:40,430 --> 00:52:43,100 list of projects . Our are right here 1294 00:52:43,100 --> 00:52:45,600 in the in the in the region . You spoke 1295 00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:49,540 of Guatemala , Honduras , to name a 1296 00:52:49,540 --> 00:52:53,390 few , so that would be just a 1297 00:52:53,400 --> 00:52:57,010 few of the points . Best remains . So 1298 00:52:57,010 --> 00:52:59,530 on Central America . We watch it very 1299 00:52:59,530 --> 00:53:01,720 closely , particularly particularly in 1300 00:53:01,730 --> 00:53:04,070 in terms of the lowering of Remittances , 1301 00:53:04,070 --> 00:53:06,348 which has an increased economic effect , 1302 00:53:06,550 --> 00:53:09,290 the lowering of economics across the 1303 00:53:09,290 --> 00:53:11,512 hemisphere and the direct relation that 1304 00:53:11,512 --> 00:53:13,690 has on migration . When ports are 1305 00:53:13,690 --> 00:53:15,579 closed , our borders are closed , 1306 00:53:15,579 --> 00:53:17,634 migration goes down , just like with 1307 00:53:17,634 --> 00:53:19,746 narco trafficking . Narco trafficking 1308 00:53:19,746 --> 00:53:21,857 has gone down . The narco traffickers 1309 00:53:21,857 --> 00:53:24,110 have been stockpiling . Once borders , 1310 00:53:24,120 --> 00:53:26,780 open travel becomes more clear . The 1311 00:53:26,780 --> 00:53:28,880 same will happen with migration . E 1312 00:53:28,880 --> 00:53:31,080 think that's just a natural occurrence 1313 00:53:31,240 --> 00:53:33,351 that's gonna happen across a range of 1314 00:53:33,351 --> 00:53:35,296 industries . As the flow of people 1315 00:53:35,296 --> 00:53:38,320 begins to pick up . It is so important 1316 00:53:38,330 --> 00:53:40,890 that we invest in the institutions that 1317 00:53:40,890 --> 00:53:43,270 lead to stabilization of a country . So 1318 00:53:43,270 --> 00:53:45,540 again , the rule of law the judicial 1319 00:53:45,540 --> 00:53:48,490 systems , freedom of the press . All of 1320 00:53:48,490 --> 00:53:50,340 those things take on critical 1321 00:53:50,340 --> 00:53:52,370 importance so that people have 1322 00:53:52,370 --> 00:53:54,660 confidence in their own country that 1323 00:53:54,660 --> 00:53:56,604 they see their future in their own 1324 00:53:56,604 --> 00:53:58,604 country . When you get to the point 1325 00:53:58,604 --> 00:54:00,549 where somebody makes a decision to 1326 00:54:00,549 --> 00:54:03,230 migrate , the battle is really over 1327 00:54:03,240 --> 00:54:05,407 because they've already gone through a 1328 00:54:05,407 --> 00:54:07,360 long thought process about whether 1329 00:54:07,360 --> 00:54:09,304 they're gonna migrate , take their 1330 00:54:09,304 --> 00:54:11,193 family with them . That battle is 1331 00:54:11,193 --> 00:54:13,416 really not at that border . That battle 1332 00:54:13,416 --> 00:54:15,471 was lost probably nine months a year 1333 00:54:15,471 --> 00:54:17,638 and a half ago when that person didn't 1334 00:54:17,638 --> 00:54:19,860 see a future in their own country . And 1335 00:54:19,860 --> 00:54:21,804 so getting at those route economic 1336 00:54:21,804 --> 00:54:24,720 causes root security causes are really 1337 00:54:24,720 --> 00:54:27,980 where the front line is for many of 1338 00:54:27,980 --> 00:54:30,680 these issues that end up at the border . 1339 00:54:30,690 --> 00:54:33,220 And that's an ongoing interagency 1340 00:54:33,220 --> 00:54:35,700 effort . Private sector effort , NGO 1341 00:54:35,700 --> 00:54:38,100 effort where everybody has a critical 1342 00:54:38,100 --> 00:54:41,440 role to play . Just point out as a 1343 00:54:41,440 --> 00:54:43,920 Zanele example of significance that we 1344 00:54:43,920 --> 00:54:46,960 place on this this key area , uh , the 1345 00:54:46,960 --> 00:54:48,627 only visit we've had here , a 1346 00:54:48,627 --> 00:54:50,793 headquarters in the covert environment 1347 00:54:50,793 --> 00:54:52,849 because has to be managed so tightly 1348 00:54:52,849 --> 00:54:55,071 with all the health protection guidance 1349 00:54:55,071 --> 00:54:57,238 has been the Honduran chief of defense 1350 00:54:57,238 --> 00:54:59,430 and his entire joint team . And our 1351 00:54:59,430 --> 00:55:02,590 first multi day trip in co vid 1352 00:55:02,990 --> 00:55:05,390 will be later this month . And it will 1353 00:55:05,390 --> 00:55:07,730 be to four of the Central American 1354 00:55:07,730 --> 00:55:10,870 countries that will visit over a week's 1355 00:55:10,870 --> 00:55:13,910 time and will do so very methodically 1356 00:55:13,910 --> 00:55:16,350 so we could stay in our own for self 1357 00:55:16,350 --> 00:55:18,680 protection . Bubble is we do that , but 1358 00:55:19,110 --> 00:55:21,332 absolutely important that we have these 1359 00:55:21,332 --> 00:55:23,443 interactions to better understand how 1360 00:55:23,443 --> 00:55:25,221 we can partner and come up with 1361 00:55:25,221 --> 00:55:27,443 sustainable security . Great question . 1362 00:55:27,443 --> 00:55:29,777 Thank you . I know your time is limited , 1363 00:55:29,777 --> 00:55:31,832 but I want to see if we can sneak in 1364 00:55:31,832 --> 00:55:34,166 another two quick ones . Three . Answer . 1365 00:55:34,166 --> 00:55:36,110 I mean , it's not fair because the 1366 00:55:36,110 --> 00:55:38,166 answers are much longer than we have 1367 00:55:38,166 --> 00:55:40,388 time , but just really to sensitize you 1368 00:55:40,388 --> 00:55:42,443 that these are questions that people 1369 00:55:42,443 --> 00:55:44,666 are wanting to ask . The first is we're 1370 00:55:44,666 --> 00:55:46,990 in the midst of hurricane season . Uh , 1371 00:55:47,000 --> 00:55:49,420 you all have talked about humanitarian 1372 00:55:49,420 --> 00:55:52,390 relief , the question being how 1373 00:55:52,390 --> 00:55:54,446 concerned are you in particular your 1374 00:55:54,446 --> 00:55:56,334 dialogues with some of the island 1375 00:55:56,334 --> 00:55:58,446 countries of the Caribbean Basin ? In 1376 00:55:58,446 --> 00:56:00,446 terms of some global climate change 1377 00:56:00,446 --> 00:56:02,612 issues that thes humanitarian issues , 1378 00:56:02,612 --> 00:56:02,580 they're gonna become more and more 1379 00:56:02,580 --> 00:56:04,080 pronounced in your area of 1380 00:56:04,080 --> 00:56:06,191 responsibility . That's the first one 1381 00:56:06,200 --> 00:56:08,340 and then the second one is really a 1382 00:56:08,340 --> 00:56:12,310 choice of two that we'd ask you to 1383 00:56:12,310 --> 00:56:14,588 choose . There have been two questions , 1384 00:56:14,588 --> 00:56:17,520 one each about the defense relationship 1385 00:56:17,530 --> 00:56:20,220 with Diana and one about the defense 1386 00:56:20,220 --> 00:56:23,520 relationship with Argentina . Obviously , 1387 00:56:23,530 --> 00:56:25,610 two totally different questions give 1388 00:56:25,610 --> 00:56:27,710 you the choice . Thio . Answer which 1389 00:56:27,710 --> 00:56:30,680 one you care , Thio ? Andi will take 1390 00:56:30,680 --> 00:56:32,680 the other one under advisement from 1391 00:56:32,680 --> 00:56:34,940 next time we meet Humanitarian question 1392 00:56:34,950 --> 00:56:37,117 first it sounds like three questions . 1393 00:56:37,117 --> 00:56:40,320 I'm trying Thio sharp shoot you two 1394 00:56:40,320 --> 00:56:42,487 quick ones and three I don't know that 1395 00:56:42,487 --> 00:56:44,598 I wanna sell my car to you or buy one 1396 00:56:44,598 --> 00:56:46,770 from you . Hey , so on humanitarian 1397 00:56:46,770 --> 00:56:49,180 assistance response . But one of the 1398 00:56:49,180 --> 00:56:51,660 fundamental missions we have is to be 1399 00:56:51,660 --> 00:56:55,220 able to rapidly respond in concert with 1400 00:56:55,230 --> 00:56:57,540 the U . S . Government and we work that 1401 00:56:57,930 --> 00:57:00,580 hard . We practice that we rehearse 1402 00:57:00,580 --> 00:57:04,260 that we run seminars on that and , 1403 00:57:04,260 --> 00:57:06,260 uh , in preparation for this year's 1404 00:57:06,260 --> 00:57:08,670 hurricane season using this same 1405 00:57:08,670 --> 00:57:11,670 virtual venue , we had our largest ever , 1406 00:57:12,030 --> 00:57:15,430 uh , exercise . And we actually asked 1407 00:57:15,440 --> 00:57:19,440 the Caricom organization to run 1408 00:57:19,450 --> 00:57:23,400 the scenario and then weigh all 1409 00:57:23,410 --> 00:57:26,700 talk through what we would do . 20 some 1410 00:57:26,700 --> 00:57:29,970 nations , every organization you could 1411 00:57:29,970 --> 00:57:32,081 imagine and how we would respond . We 1412 00:57:32,081 --> 00:57:34,192 came up with a list of action items . 1413 00:57:34,192 --> 00:57:35,914 How do you do this in a covert 1414 00:57:35,914 --> 00:57:38,030 environment ? Uh , and and how do you 1415 00:57:38,030 --> 00:57:41,260 do this ? Uh , more broadly , a 1416 00:57:41,260 --> 00:57:43,080 sustainable way going forward , 1417 00:57:43,080 --> 00:57:45,191 recognizing that no one nation , even 1418 00:57:45,191 --> 00:57:46,913 the United States , has enough 1419 00:57:46,913 --> 00:57:49,136 capability to respond to these kinds of 1420 00:57:49,136 --> 00:57:52,130 disaster . So whatever the frequency is 1421 00:57:52,130 --> 00:57:54,220 on disasters and there's science to 1422 00:57:54,220 --> 00:57:56,810 suggest that that it's it's frequent 1423 00:57:56,820 --> 00:58:00,190 and it's severe way need to be ready . 1424 00:58:00,190 --> 00:58:02,412 And we need to be ready in concert with 1425 00:58:02,412 --> 00:58:04,468 our partners . And we spend a lot of 1426 00:58:04,468 --> 00:58:06,634 time on that with our exercise program 1427 00:58:06,634 --> 00:58:06,420 or education program and our 1428 00:58:06,420 --> 00:58:08,880 interactions . And we've done repeat 1429 00:58:08,880 --> 00:58:10,991 sessions in the virtual world to stay 1430 00:58:10,991 --> 00:58:14,200 plugged in on again us . Certainly an 1431 00:58:14,200 --> 00:58:16,080 opportunity . As we reset that 1432 00:58:16,080 --> 00:58:18,247 relationship with the new government , 1433 00:58:18,247 --> 00:58:20,910 we look at significant oil reserves and 1434 00:58:20,910 --> 00:58:22,688 the U . S . Investment in those 1435 00:58:22,688 --> 00:58:24,632 reserves . We look at the disputed 1436 00:58:24,632 --> 00:58:27,030 border with Venezuela . We look at 1437 00:58:27,420 --> 00:58:30,850 other nation state interests in 1438 00:58:30,860 --> 00:58:34,480 Indiana and we've been we have we have 1439 00:58:34,480 --> 00:58:38,270 ah um ah plan agreed 1440 00:58:38,270 --> 00:58:40,590 bilateral objectives and working 1441 00:58:40,590 --> 00:58:42,368 towards those is one of our key 1442 00:58:42,720 --> 00:58:46,500 opportunity partners . Argentina . 1443 00:58:46,500 --> 00:58:48,750 We have a long standing relationship 1444 00:58:48,760 --> 00:58:51,240 with Argentina . We have one of their 1445 00:58:51,240 --> 00:58:53,770 officers here in our headquarters . We 1446 00:58:53,780 --> 00:58:57,180 continue our Miller mil exchanges , and 1447 00:58:57,190 --> 00:59:00,840 we have had since Covic 1448 00:59:00,840 --> 00:59:04,210 virtual engagements . And again , as I 1449 00:59:04,210 --> 00:59:06,720 stated before we respond policy policy 1450 00:59:06,720 --> 00:59:09,150 changes . We change the relation . But 1451 00:59:09,160 --> 00:59:11,670 it's a key geographic location and a 1452 00:59:11,670 --> 00:59:14,510 key partner , and we continue to invest 1453 00:59:14,510 --> 00:59:17,150 in Argentina for the future . Anything 1454 00:59:17,150 --> 00:59:19,206 to add to that rapid fire response ? 1455 00:59:19,206 --> 00:59:22,210 Ambassador remains eso on Guyana . It's 1456 00:59:22,210 --> 00:59:26,080 a critical next to 5 10 years as they 1457 00:59:26,080 --> 00:59:28,670 have economic changes . And so whether 1458 00:59:28,680 --> 00:59:32,060 the really new economic 1459 00:59:32,060 --> 00:59:35,070 realities transition into in depth 1460 00:59:35,070 --> 00:59:37,300 institutions , improved education , 1461 00:59:37,300 --> 00:59:39,770 improved health care systems , rule of 1462 00:59:39,770 --> 00:59:41,548 law , transparency , that's all 1463 00:59:41,548 --> 00:59:43,770 institutional development and things 1464 00:59:43,770 --> 00:59:45,770 that are gonna be critical for that 1465 00:59:45,770 --> 00:59:48,030 country going forward , or will it be 1466 00:59:48,040 --> 00:59:49,984 another country that somebody just 1467 00:59:49,984 --> 00:59:52,207 comes siphons off ? Their resource is , 1468 00:59:52,207 --> 00:59:54,318 and that country doesn't go out . You 1469 00:59:54,318 --> 00:59:56,540 know , we've seen that play out , too , 1470 00:59:56,540 --> 00:59:58,818 so you know our money is on the former . 1471 00:59:58,818 --> 01:00:00,929 That Diana's gonna use those resource 1472 01:00:00,929 --> 01:00:02,929 is to really become one of the most 1473 01:00:02,929 --> 01:00:05,151 stable countries in this hemisphere and 1474 01:00:05,151 --> 01:00:07,262 gonna lead the way . And so , looking 1475 01:00:07,262 --> 01:00:09,207 at how you do that , how you build 1476 01:00:09,207 --> 01:00:10,929 those structures over time for 1477 01:00:10,929 --> 01:00:13,040 Argentina , I'll just highlight , you 1478 01:00:13,040 --> 01:00:14,984 know , when you talk about illegal 1479 01:00:14,984 --> 01:00:16,984 fishing , it is one of those issues 1480 01:00:16,984 --> 01:00:19,096 that unites the region . And so every 1481 01:00:19,096 --> 01:00:21,318 country with a coastline is facing this 1482 01:00:21,318 --> 01:00:23,207 issue . So even when you may have 1483 01:00:23,207 --> 01:00:25,318 disputes over something , if you come 1484 01:00:25,318 --> 01:00:27,484 back to what unites you , you can make 1485 01:00:27,484 --> 01:00:29,707 a lot of progress . And that's one that 1486 01:00:29,707 --> 01:00:31,818 we're gonna pursue . And that's one . 1487 01:00:31,818 --> 01:00:33,873 The countries have come to the table 1488 01:00:33,873 --> 01:00:35,984 along with cybersecurity , along with 1489 01:00:35,984 --> 01:00:38,151 others with cam narcotics on what they 1490 01:00:38,151 --> 01:00:39,873 see is important . And if it's 1491 01:00:39,873 --> 01:00:42,096 important to a partner , it's important 1492 01:00:42,096 --> 01:00:44,318 to us . I think that's a terrific way . 1493 01:00:44,318 --> 01:00:46,540 Thio wrap up our session . You all have 1494 01:00:46,540 --> 01:00:48,540 been extraordinary in terms of your 1495 01:00:48,540 --> 01:00:50,540 patients , with the questions we've 1496 01:00:50,540 --> 01:00:50,040 thrown at you in terms of the 1497 01:00:50,040 --> 01:00:52,207 transparency of your responses through 1498 01:00:52,207 --> 01:00:54,750 the generosity of your time . On I mean 1499 01:00:54,750 --> 01:00:57,040 this sincerely . Thank you . But also , 1500 01:00:57,040 --> 01:00:59,151 if I can say , Admiral , Ambassador , 1501 01:00:59,151 --> 01:01:01,040 thank you for your service to our 1502 01:01:01,040 --> 01:01:02,990 country . Uh , that's not always 1503 01:01:02,990 --> 01:01:05,290 appreciated these days , but we 1504 01:01:05,300 --> 01:01:07,500 appreciate your service , and I just 1505 01:01:07,500 --> 01:01:09,556 wanted to thank you on behalf of the 1506 01:01:09,556 --> 01:01:11,333 Council of the Americas and our 1507 01:01:11,333 --> 01:01:13,389 membership for what you're doing for 1508 01:01:13,389 --> 01:01:12,990 the United States . So thank you for 1509 01:01:12,990 --> 01:01:15,310 that . We hope you can come back at 1510 01:01:15,310 --> 01:01:17,340 some point and give us an update on 1511 01:01:17,340 --> 01:01:19,562 some of these issues . Meantime , those 1512 01:01:19,562 --> 01:01:21,729 who are interested in hearing directly 1513 01:01:21,729 --> 01:01:23,951 from the new president of the Dominican 1514 01:01:23,951 --> 01:01:25,896 Republic , Luis Abinader , will be 1515 01:01:25,896 --> 01:01:28,118 hosting him on Wednesday . So be sure , 1516 01:01:28,118 --> 01:01:30,284 please , to tune in for that . We have 1517 01:01:30,284 --> 01:01:32,284 also a lot of other exciting things 1518 01:01:32,284 --> 01:01:34,396 upcoming very , very soon . So please 1519 01:01:34,396 --> 01:01:36,562 stay tapped in with the Council of the 1520 01:01:36,562 --> 01:01:38,229 Americas . With that , let me 1521 01:01:38,229 --> 01:01:38,140 acknowledge again . Susan Segal , the 1522 01:01:38,140 --> 01:01:41,150 president and CEO who has sat through 1523 01:01:41,150 --> 01:01:44,250 very patiently listening and probably 1524 01:01:44,250 --> 01:01:46,361 had a lot of questions which I didn't 1525 01:01:46,361 --> 01:01:48,528 entertain . So my job is on the line . 1526 01:01:48,528 --> 01:01:50,860 But Susan , thank you for joining us 1527 01:01:50,870 --> 01:01:53,037 and all our board members , etcetera , 1528 01:01:53,037 --> 01:01:54,926 etcetera . This will conclude our 1529 01:01:54,926 --> 01:01:57,140 program . Thank you again . Everybody 1530 01:01:57,140 --> 01:01:57,720 be well