Philippines participates in Defense Expo in Brazil

The Philippines participated in the 9th Latin America Aerospace and Defense (LAAD) Security Conference held in Riocentro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from April 09 to 12, 2013.

The Philippine delegates included Department of National Defense (DND) Assistant Secretary Patrick M. Velez as Head of Delegation, Philippine Air Force (PAF) Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Raul Gabriel L. Dimatatac, Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Eva G. Betita, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Eric P. Valenzuela and officials from DND and PAF.

Brazilian Vice President Michel Temer and Defense Minister Celso Amorim opened the 9th edition of the largest and most important defense and security trade show in Latin America. In his welcome speech, Vice President Temer said that Brazil’s defense always has peaceful objectives and that its dissuasive role is necessary to protect the country’s natural resources.

Minister Amorim reiterated that the end goal of armaments and military technology should be towards attaining world peace and balance of power. Minister Amorim also mentioned the current significance of State of Rio de Janeiro, which will house the future shipyard where a nuclear propulsion submarine will be built, as well as hosting future events of global importance.

LAAD 2013 was a great opportunity for defense and military officials to learn best practices and evaluate the best equipment and latest technology in military, defense and aerospace communications and operations.

On the sidelines of the expo, the Philippine delegation met with Gen. José Carlos de Nardi, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Brazil, to discuss the negotiation of a defense cooperation and logistics agreement between the Philippines and Brazil.

This year's edition of LAAD attracted more than 26,000 guests and delegates and 660 exhibitors from about 60 countries. END