U.S., neighbors meet on border security

WASHINGTON, July 12 (UPI) -- U.S., Mexican and Central American officials pledged more cooperation at a meeting hosted by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano Tuesday.

"The United States is committed to working with our partners in Central America and Mexico to enhance security throughout the region while facilitating the flow of legal travel and trade that is vital to our economies," Napolitano said.

A top agenda item was boosting aviation security through the Advanced Passenger Information System meant to stop criminals and terrorists, the department said.

Other topics included sharing information to combat drug and human trafficking, smuggling, money laundering and document fraud.

Napolitano was joined by Undersecretary Rand Beers, Customs Commissioner Alan Bersin and officials from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.