Brazil's Foreign Minister: New Chapter in Vietnam-Brazil Partnership

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What is the significance of President Lula da Silva’s visit to Vietnam, especially as it comes just months after Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Brazil for 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 friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Vietnam has become an important partner for Brazil in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reaching a record US$7.7 billion last year. Brazil values Vietnam as a trusted friend and a key ally in the Global South.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (right) and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Photo: VNA

Since President Lula resumed office in January 2023, relations with Vietnam have gained significant momentum. A major milestone in our renewed cooperation was Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s historic visit to Brazil in September 2023, marking the first-ever visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister.

President Lula’s upcoming visit signals a new chapter in this partnership.

In November 2024, Vietnam and Brazil agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership after 35 years of diplomatic ties. Could you share the priority areas for cooperation in this new phase of Brazil’s 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 a historic step by elevating our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This milestone reflects the strength of our diplomatic ties and long-standing friendship.

The upgrade also underscores our shared agenda and vision for a reformed global governance system rooted in peace and development.

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

We are currently developing an Action Plan to implement the Strategic Partnership. This will serve as a roadmap for cooperation in key sectors, including defense, science, technology, innovation, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and energy transition.

These areas hold great potential for deeper collaboration, and we are confident that new fields of cooperation will emerge as our partnership continues to evolve.

Vietnam and Brazil have pledged to boost bilateral trade to US$10 billion by 2025 and US$15 billion by 2030. Do you believe that launching negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and MERCOSUR will accelerate the achievement of this goal? What are the prospects for such negotiations?

Minister Mauro Vieira: We highly value our economic partnership with Vietnam, as demonstrated by our commitment to expanding bilateral trade. We have set ambitious yet achievable targets through joint efforts.

As a MERCOSUR member, Brazil requires consensus among all member states for any trade negotiations involving tariffs. We are evaluating the most suitable framework to deepen economic cooperation with Vietnam while considering MERCOSUR members' economic policies.

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

We are integrating this perspective into all our ongoing trade negotiations.

Strengthening our economic ties also depends on advancing the bilateral agenda in areas of mutual interest, such as investment and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. This will create a more comprehensive economic partnership, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for both nations.

The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will be held in Belem, Brazil, this November. Amid today’s complex and challenging global landscape, what key priorities will Brazil focus on to address climate change and achieve sustainable development goals?

Minister Mauro Vieira: COP30 aims to be a turning point in climate discussions, driving 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, committing to a 67% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.

Following the 2024 agreement to mobilize US$300 billion annually until 2035, the COP29 and COP30 presidencies will advance the "Baku to Belem Roadmap to 1.3T," aiming to provide funding for a just and equitable climate transition in developing nations.

This requires expanding climate finance, attracting greater private sector investment, and ensuring that multilateral development banks play a crucial role in climate funding.

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

The transition must promote social justice, reduce inequality, and create opportunities for sustainable and dignified livelihoods. These priorities will shape the COP30 agenda, where success will not only be measured by negotiated agreements but also by the ability to drive real transformative action.

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