Above: Antigua and Barbuda National Security Minister Dr Errol Cort in Brazil (Photo: ABG)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Antigua and Barbuda and Brazil have signed a framework agreement in the field of defence and security, the government announced Thursday.

The deal was signed by Antigua National Security Minister Dr Errol Cort during a four-day official visit to Brazil.

The purpose of that visit was to “discuss matters relating to Defence Cooperation,” according to a government statement.

The agreement aims to “promote cooperation especially in the fields of research and development, logistic support, to engage in mutual military education and training, the exchange of knowledge and experiences, to collaborate in subjects related to systems and equipment in the field of defence and to cooperate in other fields of defence that may be of mutual interest to both parties,” Antigua’s government said.

Cort said the agreement paved the way for a “viable medium of support” for projects like the soon-to-be established Caribbean Maritime School of Excellence at Cape Blizard, the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force’s Urban Search and Rescue capabilities and the ABDF’s counter-terrorism capability, among others.

A Brazilian government delegation is set to visit Antigua and Barbuda “in the near future,” according to the government.