Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia discuss cross-border crimes

Representatives from Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia will meet in late July to discuss joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes including goods, drug, and weapon smuggling, Foreign Minister José Serra said Thursday (Jun. 23).

“It is crucial for us that we work together on this. It is also crucial that other countries like Bolivia and Chile join these efforts, as they often provide a route for some of these smuggling flows,” he said.

Brazil's actions regarding this issue have been “cyclical”, beginning and subsequently stopping. “The plan is to put on a steady effort. And this requires agreement between governments, covering cooperation, equipment, and men.”

The minister went on to say Brazil will provide medications made by public Brazilian laboratories to Venezuela. Batches with about 15 types of basic medicines will be distributed through Caritas Brazil, an organization that works to promote human rights, food security, and solitarity-based sustainable development.

“I hope Venezuela's government will facilitate delivery. We are working on the basic medication listings, including those for childhood diarrhea, anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatory drugs. A basic, minimal supply,” Serra said.

Translated by Mayra Borges