Brazil and Bolivia sign defense and transport deals

During Bolivian President Evo Morales's meeting with   President Michel Temer Tuesday (Dec. 5), representatives from both countries signed deals aimed at fighting organized crime as well as agreements in the field of transport.

In the security sector, a police cooperation agreement was struck for the prevention of and fight against transnational crime and any other criminal act. The pact aims to tackle crimes such as terrorism, human, drug, and gun trafficking, car thefts, money laundering, online crimes, and ordinary offenses in border areas.

Also signed was a memorandum on the central bi-oceanic railway, aimed at bringing about the conditions to expand rail traffic between Brazil and Bolivia.

Before the deals were agreed upon, Temer and Morales met with cabinet members from Brazil and Bolivia. At the Planalto presidential palace, the two heads of state and their entourages proceeded to the Itamaraty Palace, where the Foreign Ministry is headquartered, for a lunch in honor of Morales.

Morales's visit also aims to bolster joint efforts in energy, development in border areas, physical infrastructure integration, migration and consulate-related issues, trade, and investment.

The Bolivian president is also interested in expanding its natural gas trade by selling the natural gas surplus not consumed by Petrobras, one of Bolivia's major partners.

Brazil is currently Bolivia's top commercial partner. It is also the main destination of Bolivian exports. In 2016, bilateral trade totaled $2.8 billion. Brazil's agenda of exports to Bolivia is diversified and made up chiefly of manufactured goods.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira