Jim Garamone
Defense.gov
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan welcomed Brazilian Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva to the Pentagon today for talks about the military-to-military relationship between their nations.
Minister of Defense Fernando Azevedo e Silva arrived at the Pentagon today with a full honor ceremony, which included a beautiful rendition of Brazil’s National Anthem. @DefesaGovBr @DeptofDefense @ActingSecDef pic.twitter.com/jwLwLEh0ye
— Embassy of Brazil – USA (@BrazilinUSA) 26 de março de 2019
The meeting took place a week after Brazil’s new leader — President Jair Bolsonaro — met with President Donald J. Trump. The U.S. president named Brazil a major non-NATO ally to the United States. “Our U.S.-Brazil relationship is entering a new era,” Shanahan said at the start of the meeting. “Brazil is a respected strategic partner.”
Shanahan said Brazil is a respected force for peace in the Western Hemisphere and beyond. The United States military looks forward to cooperating with Brazil on military exercises, professional military education and space, he added.
“I am excited to build on this moment with you and make concrete advances to keep both Brazil and the United States safe,” Shanahan said. “This includes cooperation and interoperability, defense industrial collaboration, research and development, cyber and space.”
????? The meeting today between Brazil's Minister of Defense and the U.S. Secretary of Defense took place a week after President @JairBolsonaro met with President @realDonaldTrump, when Brazil was declared a major non-NATO ally to the United States. pic.twitter.com/fOSsUCNZjS
— Embassy of Brazil – USA (@BrazilinUSA) 26 de março de 2019
U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Southern Command already are working closely with their Brazilian counterparts to strengthen cyber defenses, Shanahan noted.
Another sign of the growing relationship is the signing of a partnership agreement between the New York National Guard and Brazil last week.
Brazil and the United States fought shoulder to shoulder against the Nazis in Italy during World War II, and that spirit continues, Fernando said.
Brazil's Minister of Defense Fernando Azevedo e Silva and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan met in Washington, D.C. today for talks about the military-to-military relationship between their nations. pic.twitter.com/NXDdDk1i9F
— Embassy of Brazil – USA (@BrazilinUSA) 26 de março de 2019
