Jamaica and the United States have taken another step towards closer military cooperation, signing an agreement governing the temporary deployment of military personnel in each country for mutually agreed activities.

The agreement, known as a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), is being presented as part of a wider push by both countries to work more closely against organised crime, drug trafficking, and other security threats in the Caribbean.

According to a joint media release issued by the Jamaican and United States governments on Thursday, the agreement covers activities including military training, joint operations, and disaster response. Jamaica is now among more than 120 countries that have similar agreements with the United States.