Brazil to help Sri Lanka without intrusion

External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris met the Defence Minister of Brazil Celso Amorim on the sidelines of the G77 Summit in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The two Ministers discussed appropriate areas of defence co-operation including training and patrolling.

The Brazilian Minister noted that there was genuine interest in both countries to enhance co-operation and towards this end, he encouraged better exchange of information.

Minister Peiris reiterated that Sri Lanka welcomed defence co-operation with Brazil, while security of sea lanes was mentioned as being of particular relevance in this regard. Prof. Peiris explained the significant role being played by the Sri Lankan Navy in this regard in the waters around the island.

He referred, in particular, to the Joint Working Group with Australia and the tangible results achieved with regard to controlling people- smuggling and other related activities.

The Minister observed that with terrorism behind us, the country was making rapid economic progress and it was timely to focus on other areas which had so far not received due attention. Minister Peiris briefed the Brazilian Minister on developments taking place, industries that were expanding, particularly tourism and new opportunities for investment. He said that Provincial Council elections were held in the North after the lapse of almost three decades.

Referring to the issues concerning Sri Lanka at the Human Rights Council, the Brazilian Defence Minister underlined the need to help without intruding into internal affairs of a country. Minister Amorim stressed the importance of developing co-operation and sharing of knowledge on defence as well as in other areas of mutual interest.