UK minister in Brazil at scientific research and education program signing ceremonies

Monday, September 30th 2013 - 16:29 UTC

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“Brazil leads the world on knowledge of biodiversity, agriculture and tropical diseases” said Mr Swire

UK Minister of State for Latin America at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire is in Porto Alegre, south Brazil where he will attend the signing for a Memorandum of Understanding between the King’s College and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul on biological research.

This is an area in which there should be more cooperation between our two countries. “The UK is renowned for scientific research in this area, from discovering DNA to the first animal clone, Dolly the sheep, while Brazil leads the world on knowledge of biodiversity, agriculture and tropical diseases” said Mr Swire.

Monday’s agenda in Porto Alegre includes meeting with acting Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Beto Grill, and the acting Mayor Sebastião Melo. Wide ranging discussions will include potential commercial cooperation ahead of the World Cup.

Mr Swire second call is in Brasilia, where he will participate in a reception celebrating 30 years of Chevening and the return of the first cohort of Brazilians to study in the UK under the Science without Borders program. Swire commented:

“As well as their educational value, student exchange program like Chevening and Science without Borders are important ways for the UK and Brazil to deepen our ties. Over its 30 years, Chevening has funded more than 1,400 scholarships for Brazilian students. Last year, the UK welcomed more than 1,100 students to the UK, and we are glad to be welcoming more this autumn”, said Minister Swire.

The Minister’s visit will end in Sao Paulo, where another agreement, this time with the State of Government on education, infrastructure and transparency is scheduled to be signed.