On August 22-24, 2022, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mr. Daniel Erikson, co-chaired the 5th annual U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks with Brazilian Joint Staff Chief of International Affairs, Major General Marcello Lobão Schiavo. The meeting took place at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
The U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks represent a core component of the bilateral defense relationship and provide a strategic framework to guide security cooperation. Established to incorporate the 12th round of the ministry-level Bilateral Working Group and the 38th round of the Joint Staff Talks, the 5th Round of U.S.-Brazil Strategic Defense Talks serve as a mechanism to discuss strategic-level defense issues and guide future cooperation activities in defense and security.
DASD Erikson and MG Marcello Lobão Schiavo discussed a range of global and regional defense topics, exchanged views on cyber security and South Atlantic Security, and identified steps to deepen cooperation in the areas of research and development, and institutional capacity building.
The U.S. delegation expressed appreciation for Brazil's contributions to international security, as well as its commitment to peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. The U.S. delegation also commended Brazil for successfully hosting the 15th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in July.
In line with these efforts, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and respect for democratic values and human rights in all aspects of the bilateral defense relationship.
