Supporting global security and tackling increasing threats were
the focus for Defence Minister on a visit to South America
last week. Visiting Chile and Brazil, held talks with his
counterparts and industry as the UK strengthens relations with
partners around the world.
As the UK announced the launch of the Defence Industrial
Strategy, attended Latin America's
largest naval exhibition – Exponaval - in Valparaiso, Chile.
The Minister opened the UK industry stand, where UK companies
including Babcock, Cooneen Group, HESCO Bastion, DTM Global and
Viasat joined the Ministry of Defence's procurement arm Defence
Equipment and Support.
The exhibition is a hub for the Naval Defence industries, naval
shipbuilding and security, showcasing innovation and
technological developments in equipment and capabilities. The new
Defence Industrial Strategy prioritises partnership and export
opportunities to support UK prosperity and global security.
Defence Minister said:
This government is committing to strengthening our relationships
with partners around the globe as we work together to address
shared challenges.
It was a pleasure to visit Chile and Brazil this week where I
held important discussions about our defence cooperation and the
UK's commitment to global security. My visit comes as the UK
launches our Defence Industrial Strategy which sets out how we
will work in partnership with the defence sector to drive UK
prosperity and support stability.
Before the Expo, the Minister met with Chilean Undersecretary of
Defence Ricardo Montero Allende in Santiago for the 21st annual
UK-Chile Defence dialogue, to discuss strengthening defence
cooperation between the UK and Chile. also met with other senior
officials in Chile, where discussions covered the UK's Strategic
Defence Review, the conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the
Middle East.
Travelling to Brasilia and Rio, Brazil the Minister continued to
drive opportunities to grow defence industry ties in the South
Pacific, meeting with representatives from BAE Systems and
holding meetings with Brazilian leadership.
met with Defence Minister José
Múcio, and the Presidential Advisor on Peace, Security and
Defence Ambassador Ibriahim Abdul Hak Neto. Coaker is the twelfth
UK Minister to visit Brazil since the new government came into
power in July and his visit came shortly after UK Prime Minister
Sir visited for G20. The UK and
Brazil will celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations next
year.
While in Brazil, visited the Naval, Army, Air
Force and Marines headquarters where he met the Chiefs to discuss
military cooperation.
Visiting the World War 2 Monument and Museum, the Minister laid a
wreath to mark Brazil's support to allies, 80 years ago.
This visit builds on the excellent work of the UK's Ambassadors
and Defence Attaches to support peace, security and prosperity in
the region and beyond.
