Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
January 18, 2017
Today, the United States and Cuba signed a bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime and aeronautical search and rescue. The agreement aims to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in assisting persons in distress and to act in furtherance of obligations under international law.
The agreement provides for cooperation and coordination between the United States and Cuba in assisting persons in distress at sea, subject to each country’s respective domestic laws.
Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, signed the agreement on behalf of the United States, and Deputy Minister of Transportation Marta Oramas Rivero signed for the Republic of Cuba.
