Kelly meets with Peruvian leaders in Lima

Photo By Michael Wimbish | Marine Gen. John Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, stands at attention before the Ceremonial Guard at the Presidential Palace prior to meeting with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala. Kelly was in Peru to meet with senior defense and government officials to discuss shared security concerns and cooperation. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Palace, Peru)  

LIMA, PERU

01.23.2013

Courtesy Story

U.S. Southern Command

LIMA, Peru - Marine Gen. John Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, completed a two-day visit to Peru today that included meetings with senior defense and government officials to discuss shared security concerns and cooperation.

During the visit, the general listened to the perspectives and ideas of Peruvian leaders on areas of mutual interest including ways to strengthen military partnerships, enhance regional collaboration, and contribute to shared security goals.

Gen. Kelly met with President Ollanta Humala, Vice Minister of Defense Mario Sanchez, and Peruvian Chief of Defense Adm. Jose Cueto. The visit is Kelly’s first to Peru since assuming duties as head of U.S. Southern Command in Miami Nov. 19, 2012.

The United States and Peru have a long history of defense cooperation and routinely work together to support law enforcement operations against illicit trafficking and transnational organized crime, to provide humanitarian and civic assistance during exercises like New Horizons and to participate in capacity-building activities and training exchanges.

Before commanding U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Kelly served as senior military adviser to U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

U.S. Southern Command, one of six U.S. geographically-focused unified commands, is responsible for U.S. military operations and security cooperation with partner nations in the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

• Date Taken: 01.23.2013
• Date Posted: 01.23.2013 16:36
• Story ID: 100907
• Location: LIMA, PE