The fifth Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2011 started in Lima, Peru, on Aug. 30 with the main purpose of fostering professional relationships between the commanders of partner nations’ Marine Corps and Naval Infantries of North, Central and South America.
The fifth Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference 2011 started in Lima, Peru, on Aug. 30 with the main purpose of fostering professional relationships between the commanders of partner nations’ Marine Corps and Naval Infantries of North, Central and South America.
The bi-annual MLAC offers senior leaders from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and the U.S. an opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss common security issues.
This year’s MLAC is co-hosted by the United States Marine Corps and the Peruvian Marine Corps. The specific theme for this year’s MLAC is to discuss the role of Marine Forces in countering threats to security and supporting humanitarian operations.
“This week we will focus on three overarching issues – humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, peacekeeping support operations and threats to regional security,” said Gen. James Amos, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. “Standing alone, none of us has all the answers to these complex challenges, but together we can combine our unique experiences for the mutual benefit of all.”
The United States and Peru have a strong and productive partnership based on shared values and interests that include the stability and security of our hemisphere. The bond between the two nations extends beyond commitment to regional peace and stability.
“The security situation and common threats in our region, including future trends and the allocation of new roles and tasks for our forces, are of permanent concern and are presented as common challenges which we must face together, sharing our experiences and establishing partnerships,” said Rear Adm. Luis Ramos Vargas, commandant of the Peruvian Marine Corps.
The first MLAC in Guayaquil, Ecuador in July 2001, resulted in commanders agreeing to participate in U.S. co-sponsored MLAC conferences every two years to discuss issues of common hemispheric concerns. MLAC revolves around each Marine Corps bettering the other through sharing experiences.