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US and Brazil strengthen defense ties with new cooperation agreement
The United States and Brazil have signed a new defense cooperation agreement, aimed at deepening strategic partnership and enhancing military collaboration between the two largest democracies and economies in the Americas. The agreement, which was announced on September 13, 2021, during the official visit of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to the White House, builds on prior agreements and expands the scope of joint activities in areas such as defense trade, technology transfer, training, research, and development.
According to the joint statement released by the two governments, the agreement reflects their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity, as well as to addressing common security challenges, such as terrorism, transnational crime, and cyber threats. The agreement also highlights the importance of respecting human rights, promoting democracy, and preserving the rule of law, principles that have been at the core of the US-Brazil relationship for decades.
Some of the specific areas of cooperation mentioned in the agreement include:
– Defense trade: The US and Brazil will explore opportunities to facilitate the transfer of defense equipment, technology, and services, subject to applicable laws and regulations. They will also seek to enhance cooperation on defense industry policies and standards, to promote fair and transparent competition and to strengthen supply chains.
– Military education and training: The US and Brazil will expand exchanges of military personnel and instructors, as well as joint exercises and simulations, to enhance interoperability and readiness. They will also promote the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and research findings on military operations and doctrine.
– Science and technology: The US and Brazil will foster joint research and development projects in areas such as space, communication, cyber, and artificial intelligence, to advance innovation and knowledge sharing. They will also seek to cooperate on standards and norms for emerging technologies, to ensure their safe and responsible use.
The agreement also recognizes the importance of regional security and stability, and emphasizes the need to coordinate with other partners in the Americas and beyond. In this regard, the US and Brazil reaffirmed their support for the Inter-American Defense Board, the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas, and the United Nations peacekeeping missions, among other multilateral mechanisms.
The new defense cooperation agreement between the US and Brazil marks a significant milestone in their bilateral relations, which have undergone some turbulence in recent years due to political disagreements and economic challenges. By renewing their commitment to shared values and interests, and by expanding their practical collaboration in defense matters, the US and Brazil hope to deepen their strategic partnership and to contribute to regional and global security. As the joint statement puts it, “This agreement reflects a shared vision of a safer, more prosperous, and more democratic hemisphere, achieved through partnership and cooperation.”
