SOUTH ATLANTIC PEACE AND COOPERATION ZONE (ZOPACAS)
The South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone (ZOPACAS) was established in 1986 by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 41/11 (UNGA), proposed by Brazil and co-sponsored by 13 South Atlantic neighboring countries, in addition to Bangladesh and Saint Lucia. ZOPACAS comprises 21 African and 3 South American states. Designed to stimulate dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, ZOPACAS aims to strengthen the ties among the 24 countries located on both sides of the South Atlantic, while at the same time strengthening the maintenance of peace and security in the region.
ZOPACAS determines, among other measures, denuclearization and non-introduction of weapons of mass destruction in the South Atlantic. The Resolution that created it calls on States from other regions to respect the South Atlantic as an area of peace and cooperation, especially through the reduction and eventual elimination of their military presence. It also discourages the extrapolation of extraregional conflicts and rivalries to the South Atlantic.
Between 2013 and 2023, Uruguay maintained the “pro tempore” presidency of ZOPACAS, a position taken by Cape Verde at the 8th Ministerial Meeting in April 2023. On the occasion, it was decided that the IX Ministerial Meeting of ZOPACAS will be held in Brazil in 2026.
- Mindelo
