RIO DE JANEIRO: President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday hailed the launch of Brazil’s third submarine designed by France.
At a ceremony at Brazil’s naval base in Itaguai, the two leaders highlighted the significance of their countries’ defense partnership during a time of major global unrest.
Brazil has built the Tonelero, the third of four diesel attack submarines, with equipment, technical assistance and training from France.
Lula on the occasion said France and Brazil’s defense relationship will allow two important nations to progress without worrying war, as they both are defenders of peace.
Macron said despite some differences the great peaceful countries of France and Brazil share common vision towards the world.
The construction of the submarines was finalized under an agreement signed in 2008 between Lula and former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, which also included the procurement of 50 helicopters.
Brazil is also planning to construct its first nuclear-powered submarine, the Alvaro Alberto, a project that has suffered various delays.
The French Naval Group is helping in designing and construction of the submarines.
Brasilia is however trying to convince Paris to enhance technology transfers to help integrate the reactor into the submarine.
France has been reluctant to transfer such technology because of the challenges of nuclear proliferation.
