Under this agreement, the two governments will adopt administrative measures, including the establishment of a Joint Committee comprising representatives of the two security forces who are scheduled to meet annually, officials said.

They will assess the progress made regarding the joint activities of the two security forces, make recommendations for more effective law enforcement between the two countries, and prepare reports on the conclusions reached during the meetings of the committee.

The agreements were signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgetown following meetings between the Guyana Government and visiting Ambassador Osmar Vladimir Chohfi, Secretary General of the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, who is heading a 15-member delegation to Guyana.

Ambassador Chohfi said there is also the possibility of joint operations and technical cooperation between the security forces.

Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj signed on behalf of the Government.

A project for Acoushi Ant control and another for cleaning up the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ammo dump at Camp Groomes on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway were also signed yesterday.

The agreement for cleaning up Camp Groomes was signed by GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Michael Atherly and provides for the Brazilian Government to send Brazilian specialists to train military technicians of the GDF to deal with explosives and destructive artifacts and cleaning up explosives debris in the Camp Groomes area.

The Guyana Government is to designate military technicians to follow the work of Brazilian specialists in Guyana on the formulation of the revitalisation project of Camp Groomes.

The Acoushi Ant control project is to incorporate agro-ecological systematic practices in the control of Acoushi ants in the hinterland regions of Guyana.

As part of the project, the Brazilian Government will designate and send Brazilian specialists here to advise the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock on the introduction of Acoushi ants agro-ecological control systems.

It will also designate Brazilian specialists to train Guyanese technicians in systematic agronomic practices, support training in Guyana and Brazil, and collect and analyse samples of Acoushi ants.

"...we are going to fight this problem with much care for the environment...we know that the problem of fighting against the Acoushi ants and insects always involve the use of chemicals.

"This agreement entails a new element with care for the environment", Ambassador Chohfi pointed out.

The local Fisheries, Crops and Livestock sector will also benefit from a project that seeks to identify and develop suitable varieties of cassava for food security in Guyana's hinterland.

According to officials, the main objective of this project is to develop an adequate and sustainable system of production by introducing new varieties of cassava in Guyana in order to improve food security in the hinterland regions.

Fisheries, Crops and Livestock Minister, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh signed the agreement on behalf of the Government since his ministry is the entity responsible for the execution of actions resulting from this and the other two agriculture-related projects.

The Brazilian Government will, among other things designate and send Brazilian specialists to advise that ministry on the areas of identification and introduction of adequate variety of cassava for food security in the hinterland region, collect and analyse cassava samples, designate specialists to train extension agents and farmers in agronomic practices, processing and marketing of cassava, and support training in Brazil and Guyana.

Sawh also signed the complementary agreement for the implementation of dairy cattle production data base management and disease surveillance in Guyana.

This agreement aims to qualify human resources in order to improve meat and dairy production to increase exports.

The Brazilian Government is expected to designate specialists to train Guyanese technicians and farmers in Brazil in the field of cheese production to be carried out in the Excellence Centre of Dairy Products in Lavras, MG, and to do training in the collection and management of data on artificial insemination at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA).

It is also expected to designate and send Brazilian specialists to advise the Fisheries, Crops and Livestock Ministry in the fields of international marketing, production and processing of meat in order to support data collection on animal health, identification of potential international market for meat produced in Guyana and to analyse export plans and make recommendations.

The agreements signed are for an indefinite period and the Ambassador noted that it is difficult to specify on the costs of the projects.

He said the agreements signed provide concrete evidence of the productive meetings and testify to the opportunities that lie ahead for the nations.

"Much has been achieved and more can be done in the next month," he stated.

He said his few days here were extremely productive as he referred to meetings with President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Sam Hinds, Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Rudy Insanally, and other Government officials.

He said a wide range of issues was addressed, not only of bilateral importance but also of regional significance.

He said he also met Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Elisabeth Harper and reviewed a wide range of issues on their bilateral agenda.

He said their dialogue has enhanced their mutual understanding and has suggested further possibilities of progress.

The Ambassador also conveyed to Minister Insanally an invitation for him to visit Brazil in early July, which the minister later accepted.

Ambassador Chohfi said that visit will provide an excellent opportunity for the parties to follow up, at the ministerial level, the work done in the last few days.

He said it was also found that there is a very constructive approach to the problems they have, which can be solved in a very positive way with the cooperation of the authorities of both countries.

He thanked the Guyana Government for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to the delegation and expressed appreciation to the Foreign Affairs Ministry for the efforts made.

In brief remarks, Minister Insanally stated that the signing of the agreements attest to the close cooperation and relationship which exist between the two countries.

He said that as neighbours, the two countries have over the past years formed an association to the benefit of the countries and the region as a whole.

"I believe this proximity promises much in the future and we are challenged to implement these agreements now," he stated while acknowledging the work put into it over the past few days.

He said the agreements represent their efforts to have cooperation in very practical areas and to bring the peoples closer together.

"I think in this day and age as neighbours, we have not only great benefits but we face common problems and I think the intent of these agreements is to really bring together a common attempt to resolve some of these issues, whether in the area of security or development.

"It is very hopeful to see our frequent contacts, and the in transit visit of your distinguished President. Your own visit now promise a great deal for the future...," he stated.

He noted that all of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) attach great value to the potential of cooperation with Brazil, a nation that has been a major player in hemispheric relations.

Ambassador Chohfi and his delegation are expected to leave the country today.

His delegation includes senior officials from the Office of the Secretary General, the Department of Consular and Juridical Affairs, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, the Department of the Americas and the Brazilian Air Force.