Represented by its respective Executive Directors Luis Eliécer Cadenas and Erik Huizer, the Latin American Cooperation of Advanced Networks (RedCLARA) and the pan-European advanced network (GÉANT), in June 12, 2018, signed two agreements of interconnection and cooperation aiming to increase the academic collaboration between the two continents.

The interconnection agreement does establish the legal framework for the exchange of information and content that will later be extended with the BELLA project (Building Europe Link to Latin America). The second agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that defines points of cooperation for mutual support between the two networks at the global level. "We are reaffirming the ties we have had with Europe for many years, particularly with GÉANT. It is great news to be able to continue cooperating with other continents on these issues", said Cadenas.

In the opinion of Erik Huizer, the benefits of the agreements will extend far beyond the two continental networks. "The world is going through many difficulties, such as the shortage of food, energy, etc. I am sure that one of the ways to overcome these challenges is to enable academics and researchers from all over the world to work together to find solutions. With this MoU we want Latin America and Europe to work together and more efficiently."

The Latin America Cooperation of Advanced Networks (RedCLARA) and Internet Society (ISOC) signed (September 4, 2018) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that seeks to enhance collaboration between the two parties. The organizations were represented by Luis Eliécer Cadenas Marín, Executive Director of RedCLARA, and Christian O'Flaherty, Senior Development Manager of ISOC for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Among the actions contemplated in the MoU are the collaboration in the organization of workshops, conferences, training seminars and the execution of projects or research on topics that promote the vision of an Internet that favors innovation and social opportunities, emphasizing the promotion of routing security, undertaking initiatives to improve the adoption of the Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS). The organizations will work to identify cross collaboration and good practices in routing security in Latin America and with countries out of the region with which ISOC collaborates as part of the MANRS Campaign.

In matters of its competence, RedCLARA will support ISOC's efforts to involve academics and engineers of higher education institutions in Latin America through the direct dissemination of these actions to its member networks and to the broad RedCLARA public through its traditional communication channels.

In addition, within the scope of the TICAL Conference and other face-to-face scenarios in which RedCLARA has space for the development of training activities, whenever ISOC considers and consents to the execution of said activities, the network of Latin American academic networks will commit to record the sessions to use them to develop  online training courses (MOOC), which will be promoted as joint achievements between the two institutions.

"RedCLARA and Internet Society have been collaborating closely for years, this Memorandum brings that collaboration to a higher level of commitment; the relationship with Internet Society cannot be more than fruitful, they have contributed content, concepts and fundamental values to the network since its formation, and today we are proud to formally become part of this great process. For RedCLARA this agreement is of great value and we know it will be for our members and their beneficiaries," said Luis Eliécer Cadenas, Executive Director of RedCLARA.

Christian O'Flaherty, Senior Development Manager of Internet Society for Latin America and the Caribbean, said that "academic networks have been pioneers in the development of the Internet in the region and in the world. Universities and academic networks, once again, can set an example and be pioneers in the implementation of best practices that make the Internet a better and more reliable service, today when security and stability on the Internet are fundamental for all societies."