DiNanno Advances Security, Nuclear Cooperation in Peru and Colombia Visit

Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas G. DiNanno visited Peru and Colombia from November 1–7 to strengthen U.S. security partnerships and advance civil nuclear collaboration in the region.

In Peru, DiNanno met with the defense minister, vice foreign minister, and vice interior minister to coordinate efforts against foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal networks. He announced $20 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to develop Peru’s F-16 aerial refueling capability, extending the operational range of its fighter fleet. An additional $4.5 million in prior-year FMF was allocated for the design phase of the Port of Callao infrastructure program, which DiNanno toured to assess modernization and port security progress.

DiNanno also inaugurated the inaugural bilateral Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) workshop, unveiling $1 million in U.S. funding to support Peru’s nuclear energy ambitions. The assistance will provide tailored technical expertise and training in nuclear safety, security, nonproliferation, regulatory development, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development for potential small modular reactor deployment.

Additionally, DiNanno and Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno signed a Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (NCMOU), establishing a framework for enduring civil nuclear partnership. The agreement aligns Peru’s domestic program with the highest standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation. “By choosing the United States as its civil nuclear partner, Peru gains access to world-leading American technology, decades of proven regulatory and technical expertise, and a long-term partner who will support Peru at every stage from planning to deployment,” DiNanno remarked. The cooperation reflects the Trump administration’s push under Executive Order 14299 to expand grant financing for American nuclear technology pilots and fuel supplies in strategically important partner economies.

In Colombia, DiNanno met with defense and justice ministers, the vice foreign minister, and the National Police director, commending President Abelardo de la Espriella’s government for significant counternarcotics achievements in its first three months. He highlighted successes in removing narcoterrorist leaders from the battlefield and advancing extradition orders, while supporting Colombia’s commitment to expand coca eradication and cocaine interdiction. The administration expects continued progress in reducing cocaine production and dismantling narcoterrorist organizations.

DiNanno oversaw the delivery of U.S.-made firearms training simulators to the International Police Training School of Colombia (CENOP), equipment designed to sharpen the skills of Colombian and regional police forces confronting narcoterrorist networks threatening American citizens.

He also visited U.S. and Colombian troops participating in the Southern Vanguard exercise, a joint drill involving approximately 800 personnel aimed at enhancing readiness and strengthening coordinated responses to regional threats.

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