The Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, yesterday participated in the Second South American Meeting of Dialogue between Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence. The meeting, chaired by the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Brasilia Consensus, was led by Colombian Foreign Minister, the Honourable Luis Gilberto Murillo, and Defence Minister, the Honourable Ivan Velasquez. Representatives from all twelve South American countries attended.
The primary focus of the meeting was on promoting peace, enhancing regional and international security, and advancing cooperation in the defence industry.
In his remarks, Minister Todd emphasized the need for stronger collective action across the continent to promote sustainable peace and development. He highlighted that security challenges in the region are becoming increasingly complex and can only be effectively addressed through enhanced cooperation and adherence to international law.
Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Captain (Coast Guard) Vernon Burnett, also addressed the gathering, noting that the Brasilia Consensus provides a strategic foundation for regional collaboration, particularly in the development of innovative and dual-use technologies in the defence sector. He outlined several initiatives, including the creation of a specialized task force to foster collaboration between Defence Ministries and industry experts.
The Brasilia Consensus, a political regional integration mechanism, was established following the meeting of South American Presidents in Brasilia in May 2023.
