São Paulo – The minister of the Secretariat of Strategic Affairs (SAE), Wellington Moreira Franco, signed last week, in Rome, Italy, two agreements for bilateral cooperation between the Economic and Social Development Council (CDES) and similar institutions in Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Due to the agreement, companies, unions, associations and class organisations may exchange experiences and even work together in themes that interest the signatory countries.
In an address to members of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (Aicesis), in a meeting in Rome, Moreira Franco stated that the democratic values of liberty, equal opportunities and popular participation should be taken by the development councils to other international forums. He recalled that the councils are important instruments for promotion of better quality of life.
”Spain and Portugal, for example, countries that had long authoritarian experience, have in their development councils instruments to mobilize society, promote discussion and find solutions that result in democratic improvement and better living conditions to citizens,” said the minister.
The proposals in the agreements signed with Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is that these countries and Brazil may exchange experiences in affairs like sustainable development, globalisation, social protection systems and dialogue for promotion of democracy. The CDES meeting with African peers should be promoted once a year. According to the text, these institutions should also promote exchange between citizens of signatory African countries.
On Tuesday (26), Franco should coordinate a meeting of the Brazilian CDES, a consultative organisation connected to the Presidency of the Republic. President Dilma Rousseff should participate in the event.
*Translated by Mark Ament
