Rio De Janeiro, November 18, 2024 – The Europe Today: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held talks in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, agreeing to upgrade bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. The two leaders also issued a joint statement formalizing the decision, marking a new chapter in the 35-year relationship between the two nations.
During the discussions, PM Chính reflected on the bilateral relationship’s foundation, built on five pillars: shared ideals and trust, cultural affinity, complementary economies, mutual goodwill, and shared aspirations for peace and development. He noted significant progress in various fields, including frequent high-level exchanges, expanding economic and trade ties, and close coordination in multilateral forums.
President Lula da Silva welcomed PM Chính’s proposals, including Brazil’s recognition of Việt Nam’s market economy status and the initiation of negotiations for a Việt Nam-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement in 2025. He underscored the agreement’s potential to deliver mutual economic benefits and contribute to sustainable development in both nations.
The leaders tasked their foreign ministries with finalizing the Việt Nam-Brazil Strategic Partnership framework promptly, aiming to align future collaboration with this enhanced relationship. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in priority areas such as high technology, digital transformation, energy transition, biofuel development, environmental protection, and climate change response.
The talks also emphasized the importance of defense-security collaboration, with agreements to expand ties in military officer training, defense industry and trade, military medicine, and peacekeeping operations.
Addressing global issues, both leaders affirmed their commitment to international cooperation in global governance, UN reform, poverty reduction, and climate change. They emphasized the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
President Lula da Silva commended Việt Nam’s active participation in international affairs and expressed confidence in its contributions to the G20 Summit. He acknowledged Việt Nam’s experience and commitment to addressing global challenges and enhancing its international standing.
PM Chính extended invitations from Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and State President Lương Cường for President Lula da Silva to visit Việt Nam in 2025. The Brazilian leader graciously accepted, expressing his anticipation for further strengthening ties.
The Strategic Partnership is expected to provide a robust framework for deepening cooperation and addressing shared challenges, reflecting the growing importance of Việt Nam-Brazil relations on the global stage.
