Brazil: Senate Committee Adopts Defense Cooperation Agreement with Morocco

The Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee (CREDN) of the Brazilian Senate adopted a draft decree approving the framework agreement on defense cooperation with Morocco, signed in Brasilia on 13 June 2019. The text, which had already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) in mid-February, should still be examined later in the Senate plenary. The rapporteur of the text, Senator Esperidião Amin submitted to the plenary a report favorable to the approval, according to the Brazilian upper House. Amin stressed that the agreement, signed in 2019, focuses on the areas of research and development and logistical support, in addition to the objective of encouraging the acquisition of defense products and services. Another objective is to share knowledge and experience gained in the operations of the armed forces of both countries, including the areas of science and technology. The agreement also covers the promotion of joint actions of military training and instruction, joint military exercises and exchanges of information in this area. In addition, it deals with collaboration in defense systems and equipment, it stressed. The text also concerns the implementation and development of programs of application of defense technologies, taking into account the participation of the industry of the sector in both countries and the transfer of technology and know-how between the two nations. The Draft legislative decree (PDL) 1101/2021, which has the support of the government and the opposition, also provides for “the exchange of visits of delegations from both countries, exchanges of instructors and students of military educational institutions”. The agreement also provides for participation in theoretical and practical courses, cultural and sports events, humanitarian assistance and military health training. The draft decree, which also defines the rules of civil liability framing this cooperation, was signed during a visit to Brazil by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita. During Bourita’s visit, the two countries had signed seven agreements on various areas, including investment, defense, mutual legal assistance and double taxation for maritime and air transport.