The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), affiliated to the Ministry of External Relations (MRE), is the agency of the Brazilian Federal Government in charge of all international technical cooperation involving Brazil and other countries or international organisms. ABC operates according to the guidelines of the Brazilian foreign policy (which are managed by MRE) and focuses on national development policies defined by the Government's sectorial programs and plans.ABC has the mandate to negotiate, coordinate, implement and monitor technical cooperation projects and programs that stem from agreements signed between Brazil and other countries and international organisms. In addition, ABC provides guidance to other Brazilian agencies regarding cooperation opportunities involving Brazil, supporting the preparation of projects, coordinating negotiations between cooperating and beneficiary parties, monitoring and evaluating project implementation and publicizing information on project development and achieved results.ABC also plays a significant political role in the Brazilian diplomacy as the agent of the country's technical cooperation with an increasing number of developing countries, contributing to disseminating a modern image of Brazil and its institutions and consolidating the country's leading role at both regional and international levels.