The governments of Mexico and the United States signed a memorandum on border communications and security that involves more patrols on both sides of the border, the detection and securing of high risk areas and the exchange of timely information on organized crime.

During the Bilateral Meeting on Border Security between Mexico's Minister of the Interior Miguel Angel Osorio Chong and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, both parties agreed that coordination between the two nations will benefit both countries and allow them to have a greater control of the border areas where illegal immigration and organized crime operate.

This reunion marks the third occasion in which Janet Napolitano has met with officials from the administration of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. Work meetings between the two countries have intensified since President Obama's administration began pushing an immigration reform bill through Congress.

Before meeting with Mexican officials, Janet Napolitano went to Brownsville, Texas in an effort to review the border efforts and working conditions of border patrol workers in the United States.

Osorio Chong emphazised that this new border security strategy of shared responsibility and mutual trust between the two countries fully respects each country's sovereignty.

"Today there are border patrols on both sides that act on information, coordination, detection of risk areas, we know know that we need timely information sharing and technological infrastructure that will allow prompt action of the security forces, we want to avoid the news of what is happening now with new and improved actions that will change the face of the border," he said.

Janet Napolitano said the agreement reflects the commitment both countries have for the upholding of the rule of law on both sides of the border.

Napolitano added that in the last seven months working with the administration of President Enrique Pena Nieto they have emphasized the economic benefits at the border, as well as security issues, where the exchange of information from both countries has been essential.

"We will achieve a new balance in the border and in immigration in general. This is reflected in the agreements reached by President Barack Obama and Enrique Peña Nieto at recent meetings," she said.

When asked about the recent alleged espionage scandals that the U.S. government has faced, Osorio Chong said the relationship with the U.S. is based on trust and close cooperation. Napolitano refused to comment on the issue.