Libreville (Gabon) - The presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Gabon, Omar Bongo, have signed four cooperation agreements in the areas of health, agriculture and foreign relations.

In health, Brazil has offered technical cooperation in improving diagnostic quality in dealing with malaria, a disease that is endemic in both Brazil and Gabon. The two countries will also work together to make treatment of malaria more efficient by honing their epidemic vigilance systems and the notification process.

Another agreement sets up a bilateral political consultation mechanism. Gabon is a member of the African Union, and at the moment exercises the presidency of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC).

In agriculture, the Brazilian Farm Research Corporation (Embrapa) will provide technical consultancy services in an effort to maximize casava production in Gabon. Under the agreement, Brazil will transfer technology and even supply seedlings.

Finally, Brazil and Gabon signed a consular agreement permitting citizens of both countries to visit the other for periods of up to 90 days without a visa.

Agência Brasil
Reporters: Marcos Chagas e Nelson Motta
Translator: Allen Bennett
07/29/2004