BRASILIA – U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar and Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin traveled to Brazil on Wednesday to meet with their counterparts and discuss joint efforts to combat human trafficking, enhance aviation and global supply chain security, and ease legitimate trade and travel.

“Brazil is one of the United States’ most steadfast allies and partners when it comes to protecting our hemisphere from evolving threats,” Napolitano said. “We’re pleased to be working with our Brazilian counterparts on efforts to both ensure national security and facilitate economic security.”

In Brasilia, Napolitano participated in signings of:

• a Joint Statement on Global Supply Chain Security with Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega and Director of Customs Carlos Alberto Freitas Barreto.



• an agreement on combating human trafficking with President of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court and Chief Justice Carlos Ayres Britto.



• a Statement of Intent to establish a Visa Waiver Program Working Group with Foreign Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota.



• a Joint Statement of Intent on Civil Aviation Security with Minister of Civil Aviation Wagner Bittencourt.

The Visa Waiver Program eases foreign travel to the United States, enabling nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

During the meetings, Napolitano underscored the Department of Homeland Security’s commitment to ensuring a safer, more secure and more resilient global supply chain.

The international community has made significant progress in protecting the global supply chain through Program Global Shield, the department said in a press release. Global Shield was launched in 2011 in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Interpol. Ninety participating nations and international organizations, including Brazil, share information in an unprecedented law enforcement effort aimed at combating the theft or illegal diversion of chemicals that can be used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Global Shield has accounted for 41 seizures of chemical precursors totaling more than 126 metric tons, the department said.

In Sao Paulo, Napolitano met with the Council of the Americas, the American Chamber of Commerce and other local officials.