Brazil, Colombia to work jointly on regional stability

By Dialogo
September 03, 2010

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos visited Brazil on September 1 to sign agreements with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva, destined to strengthening the overall regional unity and stability.

The Colombian leader’s first official visit to the South American giant also included the subscription of an agreement of intent to integrate Colombia in the manufacturing process of the military transport aircraft Embraer KC-390.

The agreements also aim to step up cooperation between the two countries in terms of economy, technology, environment and security, reported Xinhua.

While announcing, “We are no longer in the region with conflict, rebellion and censorship,” during his speech, President Lula added that Brazil would be in solidarity with Colombia during their struggle for peace.

Newly inaugurated President Santos, meanwhile, underlined that the current situation is an opportunity to achieve a “destiny of greatness.”

Santos detailed that (current) tensions between Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador should be eased because as “governments fight, people suffer,” according to Xinhua.

Following the meeting, special advisor on Brazil’s international affairs Marco Aurelio Garcia, reiterated that the conflict with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) was Colombia’s internal issue.

“It should be solved by Colombia itself. We will get involved only if the Colombian government requests,” he concluded.