The Bolivian Defense Minister, Edmundo Novillo Aguilar, held a press conference where he detailed the memorandum of understanding on defense, technology, and security, signed on July 20 with his Iranian counterpart, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, during a visit to Iran.
Aguilar highlighted the discussions on technological cooperation, academia, and efforts against smuggling and drug trafficking that took place during his visit to Iran.
He clarified that the focus was on specific tasks associated with combating smuggling and drug trafficking and improving the capabilities of the Bolivian Armed Forces, specifically the Military School of Engineering.
During his visit to Iran, Aguilar spoke about various achieved outcomes. These included plans for Iranian assistance in maintaining Bolivian Air Force aircraft. He also saw potential in Iranian shipbuilding expertise to provide vessels for the Bolivian Navy, which could enhance border patrols against smuggling and drug trafficking.
Additionally, Aguilar identified potential surveillance tools, like drones, which could effectively monitor Bolivia’s diverse border landscapes.
Iran’s advancements in nanotechnology were also noted as beneficial for Bolivia in sectors such as medicine, mining, and agriculture.
The knowledge transfer in this field could even pave the way for a nanotechnology curriculum at the Military School of Engineering.
Lastly, Aguilar emphasized the need for bolstering the Military Geographic Institute with technological assistance.
He expressed interest in a cybernetic protection system to secure the information held by various public institutions in Bolivia.