Brazilian Foreign Minister: President Lula da Silva always mentions Vietnam with affection

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

Brazilian President Lula da Silva reviews the honor guard at the welcoming ceremony chaired by President Nguyen Minh Triet, July 2008.

Speaking ahead of the State visit to Vietnam by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira pointed out that Brazil and Vietnam celebrated the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations last year, and the bilateral relationship has been built on the foundation of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

New chapter in Vietnam-Brazil relations

"Vietnam has become an important partner of Brazil in Southeast Asia with trade turnover reaching a record 7.7 billion USD last year. Brazil considers Vietnam a reliable friend and important partner in the Southern Hemisphere," Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized.

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

Minister Mauro Vieira affirmed that the upcoming visit of President Lula da Silva marks a new chapter in this partnership. Notably, President Lula da Silva always mentioned Vietnam with affection and fond memories of his trip to the S-shaped land in 2008 as the first Brazilian President to visit Hanoi. The Brazilian leader always wishes to witness with his own eyes the impressive economic and social achievements of Vietnam today.

Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted the historic step of upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during a meeting between President Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last November. This milestone reflects the strength of diplomatic relations and the long-standing friendship between Brazil and Vietnam.

According to the head of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the upgrade of relations also highlights the scope of the common agenda and the two countries' shared vision for a reformed global governance rooted in peace and development. Both countries are committed to multilateralism, the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, with the United Nations at the core of the international system. The two countries share a desire for stability, prosperity and sustainable development.

Mr. Mauro Vieira said that the two sides are developing an Action Plan to implement the Strategic Partnership. This will be a roadmap for cooperation in key areas, including defense, science, technology, innovation, agriculture, environmental sustainability and energy transition. These areas have great potential for enhanced cooperation and the two sides believe that new areas of cooperation will emerge as the Strategic Partnership continues to develop.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomed and held talks with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Hanoi on April 10, 2024. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

Strengthen and expand economic relations

Referring to the two countries' goal of increasing bilateral trade to 10 billion USD by 2025 and 15 billion USD by 2030, Minister Mauro Vieira said that Brazil highly values its economic partnership with Vietnam, as demonstrated by its commitment to expanding bilateral trade. The two sides have set ambitious goals that can be achieved with joint efforts from both sides.

Noting that Brazil is a member of MERCOSUR and any trade negotiations related to tariffs require decisions by members, Minister Mauro Vieira affirmed that Brazil is evaluating the most suitable framework for deeper economic cooperation with Vietnam, taking into account the economic policies of MERCOSUR member countries.

Under the administration of President Lula da Silva, Brazil has implemented policies to reindustrialization the economy, increase industrial competitiveness, and protect high-quality jobs. These efforts also prioritize investment in innovation and sustainable solutions. According to Mauro Vieira, Brasilia is incorporating this perspective into all current trade negotiations.

Strengthening Brazil’s economic ties also depends on advancing the bilateral agenda on topics of mutual interest, such as investment and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. This will create a more comprehensive economic partnership that promotes sustainable growth and prosperity for both countries.

Expecting a turning point in the climate issue

The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30) will be held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. According to Minister Mauro Vieira, COP30 aims to represent a turning point on the climate issue, promoting progress on 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 annually, the COP 29 and COP 30 Presidencies will promote the “Baku-Belém Roadmap to $1.3 Trillion” between now and 2035 to finance a just and equitable climate transition in developing countries. This requires scaling up climate adaptation finance, mobilizing greater private sector investment, and ensuring that multilateral development banks play a key role in climate finance.

"At the heart of 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 and dignified livelihoods," the Brazilian diplomat affirmed.

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.

New chapter in Vietnam-Brazil relations

Strengthen and expand economic relations

Expecting a turning point in the climate issue

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