Brazilian Foreign Minister: New chapter in Vietnam-Brazil relations

According to Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, President Lula da Silva's upcoming state visit to Vietnam marks a new chapter in the Vietnam-Brazil partnership.

Bộ trưởng Ngoại giao Brazil: Chương mới trong quan hệ Việt Nam-Brazil

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira pose for a photo. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)

- Dear Minister Mauro Vieira, what is the significance of President Lula da Silva's visit to Vietnam, especially when the visit takes place just a few months after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Brazil within the framework of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2024?

Minister Mauro Vieira: In 2024, Brazil and Vietnam celebrated 35 years of diplomatic relations, built on the foundation of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect.

Vietnam has become an important partner for Brazil in Southeast Asia, with trade turnover reaching a record $7.7 billion last year. Brazil considers Vietnam a reliable friend and important ally in the Southern Hemisphere.

Since President Lula returned to power in January 2023, relations with Vietnam have gained significant momentum. A key milestone in the renewed cooperation between Brazil and Vietnam was the historic visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Brazil in September 2023, the first visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister.

President Lula's upcoming visit marks a new chapter in this partnership.

President Lula always fondly recalled his 2008 trip to Vietnam as the first Brazilian President to visit Hanoi and wished to witness firsthand Vietnam's impressive economic and social achievements.

- In November 2024, Vietnam and Brazil agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership after 35 years of establishing diplomatic relations. Could you share the priority areas of cooperation to further strengthen relations with Vietnam in this new phase of the Brazilian Government?

Minister Mauro Vieira: During their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November, President Lula and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh took the historic step of upgrading our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This milestone reflects the strength of the diplomatic relations and the long-standing friendship between Brazil and Vietnam.

The upgrade also underscores the scope of our shared agenda and our shared vision of a reformed global governance rooted in peace and development.

Both countries are committed to multilateralism, the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, with the United Nations at the core of the international system. We share a desire for stability, prosperity and sustainable development.

We are currently developing an Action Plan to implement the Strategic Partnership, which will be a roadmap for cooperation in key areas including defence, science, technology, innovation, agriculture, environmental sustainability and energy transition.

These areas have great potential for enhanced cooperation and we are confident that new areas of cooperation will emerge as our partnership continues to grow.

- Vietnam and Brazil have committed to increasing bilateral trade to 10 billion USD by 2025 and 15 billion USD by 2030. Does the Minister believe that the launch of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) will help accelerate the realization of this goal? What are the prospects for future negotiations on this agreement?

Minister Mauro Vieira: We value our economic partnership with Vietnam, as demonstrated by our commitment to expanding bilateral trade. We have set ambitious targets that can be achieved with joint efforts from both countries.

Brazil is a member of MERCOSUR, any trade negotiations involving tariffs require a decision by the members. We are evaluating the most appropriate framework for deeper economic cooperation with Vietnam, taking into account the economic policies of MERCOSUR member countries.

Under President Lula’s administration, Brazil is implementing policies to reindustrialization the economy, increase industrial competitiveness, and protect high-quality jobs. These efforts also prioritize investment in innovation and sustainable solutions.

We are incorporating this perspective into all of our current trade negotiations.

Strengthening our economic relations also depends on advancing the bilateral agenda on topics of mutual interest, such as investment, sanitary and phytosanitary measures.

This will create a more comprehensive economic partnership, promoting sustainable growth and prosperity for both countries.

- The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30) will be held in Belém (Brazil) this November. In today's complex and challenging global context, what key issues will Brazil prioritize at the conference to help address climate change and achieve sustainable development goals on Earth?

Minister Mauro Vieira: COP30 aims to represent a turning point on the climate issue, accelerating progress across five pillars: mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology and capacity building.

The conference will also mark the submission of new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by all parties. Brazil submitted its updated NDC last November, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 67% by 2035, compared to 2005 levels.

Following the 2024 agreement to mobilize $300 billion per year, the COP 29 and COP 30 Presidencies will promote the “Baku-Belem Roadmap to $1.3 Trillion” between now and 2035 to provide financing for a just and equitable climate transition in developing countries.

This requires scaling up climate adaptation finance, calling for greater private sector investment and ensuring multilateral development banks play a key role in climate finance.

Central to our discussions is the concept of a just transition. A low-carbon economy must be inclusive and equitable, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The transition must promote social justice, reduce inequalities and create opportunities for sustainable, dignified livelihoods.

These priorities will shape the agenda of COP 30. The success of the programme will be measured not only by the agreements negotiated but also by its ability to drive transformative action on the ground.

Thank you very much, Minister.

(Vietnam+)

https://www.vietnamplus.vn/bo-truong-ngoai-giao-brazil-chuong-moi-trong-quan-he-viet-nam-brazil-post1022277.vnp

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/bo-truong-ngoai-giao-brazil-chuong-mo-i-trong-quan-he-viet-t-nam-brazil-211640.html