Brazil and Algeria: Plenary approves Defense cooperation agreement

On Monday, August 29, Senators approved the Project of Legislative Decree (PDL) 333/2021, which ratifies the Defense Cooperation Agreement between Brazil and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, signed in December 2018.

The matter was reported by Senator Fabiano Contarato (PT-ES), and, as the House of Representatives has already approved it, it will now follow for enactment.

The agreement will focus on exchanging delegations and information, personnel training, acquisition of armaments, military equipment, weapons systems, and the exchange of experience in maintenance and logistical support for equipment traded between the parties.

In addition, it will provide the invitation of military observers to maneuvers and national exercises, the promotion of cooperation in scientific research, technology and defense industry, the development of socio-cultural and sports activities between the respective Armed Forces, as well as stopovers of warships and aircraft in the ports and airports of both countries.

In his report, Fabiano Contarato pointed out that the agreement meets the requirements of the Federal Constitution and that cooperation in security and defense matters is highly relevant because it can promote peace among nations.

“It is relevant, for the prominent role that Brazil intends to occupy in the international arena, that our country adheres to measures that collaborate with global security and peace. In this sense, agreements like this work not only for the technological development in the defense field but also to strengthen the alliances and understandings necessary to reach a lasting peace,” said the senator.

According to the parliamentarian, the agreement aims not only to improve aspects related to the exchange of information between the defense areas of Brazil and Algeria but also to promote projects aimed at transferring technologies applicable to the military and security sectors. “This opens up the opportunity to expand cooperation between the parties in these sectors.”

COOPERATION

Among the forms of cooperation foreseen in the agreement between the two countries is the exchange of visits of high-ranking delegations, including military and civilian authorities; the fight against terrorism; the development of human resources of defense institutions through education and training; the stationing of warships and aircraft at ports and airports; the sharing of defense experiences; the acquisition of arms and equipment; and cooperation in other areas in the defense field that may be of common interest to the countries.

The countries undertake to respect the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, including those of sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity and inviolability, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states, as well as the principles and purposes of human rights and humanitarian law.

Regarding civil liability, the agreement provides that each party will waive any action or claim against the other party for damages caused to its personnel or property resulting from activities linked to the realization of the agreement, except in the case of serious or intentional error.

It is also emphasized that the treaty contains an express clause of guarantees that ensure respect for the principles of sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity and inviolability, and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States, in line with the provisions of Article 4 of the Constitution.

With information from Agência Senado