Phl, Brazil propose increased cooperation to address drug menace

MANILA, Philippines - Citing the growing menace of the international drug trade, the Philippines and Brazil have proposed increased cooperation between their law enforcement authorities and more agreements on mutual legal assistance and transfer of sentenced persons.

In a meeting last November, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio said “Brazil’s thrust of expanding its presence and intensifying its relations with countries in East Asia is an excellent opportunity to move our bilateral relations to a higher level.”

“The meeting is a good opportunity to review and chart a course for Philippine-Brazil relations as we seek to establish a value-added dimension to our current relationship,” she said.

Brazilian Ministry of External Relations Sub-Secretary General for Policy II Ambassador Maria Edilueza Fontenele Reis said “it is not only important to analyze our relations but also to strengthen our dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest.”

She indicated that the conduct of bilateral consultation is a clear manifestation of Brazil’s intention to give priority to its relationship with the Philippines as it seeks to expand its engagement in East Asia.

Both sides agreed to make efforts to broaden and diversify trade and investments through increased interaction and exchanges between their business sectors.

On regional and global issues, the Philippines and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work closely in advancing common positions on key issues such as United Nations Security Council reforms, climate change, biodiversity, international financial organizations reforms and the development of closer ties between ASEAN and Latin America.

“The developing country outlook we share in many international issues is a fundamental element that has shaped our partnership in the multilateral arena,” Basilio said.