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News | June 24, 2016

U.S. Army South completes Brazilian army-to-army staff talks

By Maj. Fred Harrell U.S. Army South Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, U.S. Army South commander, recently welcomed Lt. Gen. Joarez Alves Pereira Jr.,

Brazilian army deputy chief of staff, to San Antonio for the 32nd annual staff talks between the two nations’ armies.

Last year, the staff talks were held in Brazil, and both armies have been conducting the 70 agreed-to events, training, exercises and exchanges together as a result of the agreements made in 2015.

“The staff talks are a great teambuilding event that strengthens our relationships and trust,” Chinn said during his opening remarks. “More importantly, they help us each learn more about how we can work together to address emerging challenges in the region, hemisphere and globally.”

Army South has represented the U.S. Army in the annual bilateral staff talks with Brazil since 2005. As the Army service component command for U.S. Southern Command, Army South conducts staff talks on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army. These meetings help strengthen professional partnerships and increase interaction between the armies.

“The engagements will certainly play a major role in strengthening mutual trust and enhancing cooperation and interoperability between our armies,” Pereira said.

During the meeting, the two delegations drafted a list of 57 agreed-to actions covering a wide range of professional exchanges designed to improve the working relationship between the two armies.

“We look forward to working together against the emerging threats and providing for the stability, security and prosperity for the Americas,” Chinn said during his closing remarks.

The staff talks ended with the signing of a bilateral engagement plan for the upcoming year.

Army South also conducts staff talks with the armies of Chile, Colombia, Peru and El Salvador on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army.

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