The military agreement between Russia and Sao Tome and Principe, signed in April, threatens to determine the future position of the Portuguese-speaking country, especially at the UN, by providing for cooperation with Moscow in the “framework of international organizations and forums.”
According to the document to which Lusa had access, the parties agreed to cooperate in these bodies on “fundamental issues of international security and stability” and, in addition, to “coordinate efforts to jointly counter challenges and threats to global and regional security and stability.” .
The commitment, signed on April 24 and entered into force on May 5, does not seem to imply that Sao Tome will necessarily make changes in its position in international organizations regarding Russia, but given the formalization of the “cooperation agreement”, “on fundamental Issues of International Security and Stability” raises the question of how Sao Tome will vote on possible future new United Nations resolutions similar to the two condemnations of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, which Sao Tome voted in favor.
The agreement provides for “the exchange of information on issues of mutual interest in the military sphere”, as well as – reinforcing the above idea – “the exchange of experience and information on the implementation of national defense doctrines.”
The parties also pledged to hold “consultations on global and regional security issues” and organize “joint operational and combat training activities”; “participate in military exercises”; “stopping warships and visits from military aircraft.”
“Construction and reform of the Armed Forces”, “combat training of troops”, “cooperation in matters of recruitment of the Armed Forces”, “use of weapons and military equipment and logistics”, “exchange of experience and information within the framework of the fight against extremist ideology and international terrorism ” and “exchange of experience and information in the fight against piracy” are also defined in this framework agreement.
The agreement provides for the creation of a “joint working group” to coordinate the cooperation now signed, the meetings of which will be held “alternately” in each of the countries.
It was planned to draw up a “Military Cooperation Plan”, which would include “events, forms, places and dates, as well as the identification of responsible bodies, the number of participants and other issues.”
The agreement in the article is based on the assumption of the parties’ desire to “develop military cooperation on a long-term basis,” which, the signatories emphasize, “contributes to strengthening international peace and stability.”
“Financial aspects” are included in the text as a separate article, establishing that each party undertakes to “independently” finance “the expenses of its representatives related to the implementation of this agreement” unless they agree “otherwise.” “in writing.”
However, what is more important is that “the implementation of activities under the agreement will depend on the availability of funding from the parties.”
Finally, the article contains obligations regarding confidentiality of information regarding military cooperation, emergency medical care, applicable law, jurisdiction and legal protection, security, and dispute resolution.
The agreement is for an “indefinite period” and can be terminated by written notice through diplomatic channels, in which case it will expire 180 days after receipt of the notice by the other party.
The signing of the agreement was reported on the 6th by the official Russian news agency Sputnik, emphasizing that military cooperation between the countries “contributes to strengthening international peace and stability”, and was subsequently confirmed by the government of Sao Tome, with the opposition criticizing the “secret” behind it happened.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Sandra Hansen, a news website Author and Reporter for 24 News Reporters. I have over 7 years of experience in the journalism field, with an extensive background in politics and political science. My passion is to tell stories that are important to people around the globe and to engage readers with compelling content.