Brazilian Senate Approves Defense Cooperation Agreement with Morocco

The Brazilian Senate approved, on Thursday, in plenary session the framework agreement on defense cooperation with Morocco, signed in Brasilia on June 13, 2019. The text, which had already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) in mid-February, focuses on cooperation in research, development and logistical support, in addition to promoting the acquisition of defense products and services. The text’s rapporteur, Senator Esperidiao Amin (Progressives, Santa Catarina), stressed on this occasion that “with absolute respect for the sovereignty of both countries, the text promotes cooperation between the two parties, in a climate conducive to the sharing of knowledge and experience”. The agreement, which will be promulgated shortly by the speaker of the upper uouse, “also provides for joint training and the coordination of actions relating to defense equipment systems”, he added. Indeed, the text focuses on the fields of research and development and logistical support, in addition to encouraging the acquisition of defense products and services. It is also meant to share knowledge and experience gained in the operations of both countries’ armed forces, including in the fields of science and technology. The agreement also provides for the promotion of joint military training and instruction, joint military exercises and exchanges of information in this field. It covers collaboration on defense systems and equipment. The text concerns the implementation and development of programs for the application of defense technologies, taking into account the participation of industry in the sector in both countries, and the transfer of technology and know-how between Morocco and Brazil. Draft Legislative Decree 1101/2021, which was supported by both government and opposition parties, also provides for “the exchange of visits by delegations from both countries, and exchanges of instructors and students from military training establishments”. The agreement also covers participation in theoretical and practical courses, cultural and sporting events, humanitarian aid and military health training. The draft decree, which also defines the rules of civil liability governing this cooperation, was signed during a visit to Brazil by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita. During Bourita’s visit, the two countries signed seven agreements covering areas ranging from investment and defense to mutual legal assistance and the avoidance of double taxation on maritime and air transport.