The foreign affairs ministers of Brazil and France pledged to exchange information about potential security threats ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, Reuters reports. France’s foreign minister Laurent Fabius said in a press conference on Sunday that his country will gladly share any relevant counterterriorism intelligence with the Olympic hosts.
In the wake of the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, Fabius said French intelligence officials believe terrorism must be fought not just nationally but globally. Fabius was visiting Brazil in preparation for next week’s United Nation’s Climate Conference and also met with Brazil’s president, Dilma Rousseff.
“Minister Fabius offered a possible exchange of information and experiences, which for the Brazilian government is very welcome since the French government has experience in organizing a World Cup and a Winter Olympics,” said Brazil’s foreign minister Mauro Vieira.
During the 2014 World Cup the Brazilian government spent a reported R$1.9 billion ($800 million) on security to ensure a safe and secure event.
After the Paris attacks, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach released a statement expressing the IOC’s condolences and solidarity. He said, “We support the outstanding work of so many men and women in the medical and security fields who are assisting the population in these very difficult moments. In these dark times, we should remember the unifying power of sport to unite people and communities and to bring peace and reconciliation.”
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