WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao and El Salvador are preparing to strengthen their cooperation in combating organized crime and improving public safety through a Letter of Intent scheduled to be signed on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The agreement between Curaçao's Ministry of Justice and El Salvador's Ministry of Justice and Public Security will establish a framework for exchanging expertise, strengthening law enforcement institutions, and addressing cross-border criminal activities.
According to a statement issued by the Curaçao Ministry of Justice on November 11, the cooperation will focus on several areas of mutual interest, including organized crime, police development, migration management, and cybercrime prevention.
The initiative represents another step in Curaçao's efforts to expand international partnerships aimed at strengthening its justice system and improving public security.
Under the proposed framework, both countries will explore opportunities for specialized training, technical cooperation, professional exchanges, and working visits involving their respective law enforcement institutions.
These activities would allow officials to exchange information about operational practices, institutional development, and approaches to addressing criminal threats.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that the initiative is primarily intended to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience rather than establish immediate operational commitments.
Justice Minister Shalten Hato said international partnerships provide valuable opportunities for Curaçao to improve its approach to law enforcement by learning from the experiences of other countries.
"International cooperation gives us the opportunity to learn from each other's experiences and further strengthen our own approach," Hato stated.
"Every country has its own challenges and solutions. By exchanging knowledge, we can gain new insights that contribute to more effective law enforcement."
The minister stressed that any cooperation must remain consistent with Curaçao's legal framework and fundamental rights.
"Our own legislation, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights will always remain guiding principles. Our ultimate goal is, and will remain, a safer Curaçao," Hato said.
The ministry clarified that the Letter of Intent is exploratory and does not create legally binding obligations for either country.
Any specific cooperation projects will have to be developed through further consultation and implemented in accordance with the applicable laws and responsibilities of the institutions involved.
The agreement is intended to provide a foundation for future discussions and practical initiatives between the two governments.
For Curaçao, the planned partnership forms part of a broader policy to professionalize the justice system, strengthen law enforcement capabilities, and expand cooperation with international partners.
The government has not yet announced specific joint operations, training programs, or financial commitments resulting from the proposed agreement.
The planned signing on November 13 will mark the formal beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the two justice ministries, with an emphasis on strengthening institutional capabilities and improving public safety.