Although they are nearly half a world apart, the people of Vietnam and Brazil share many similar characteristics such as sincerity, hospitality, friendship and openness. The close relationship between the two countries began long before the two countries officially established diplomatic relations.
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Ceremony to celebrate the 133rd birthday of President Ho Chi Minh in Brazil. Photo: VNA release[/caption]Right in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century, when the Vietnamese people were fighting for national liberation and reunification, the Brazilian people had many activities to express solidarity and support for the Vietnamese people.
On May 8, 1989, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, opening a period of long-term and stable cooperation for bilateral relations. The relationship between the two countries was upgraded to a comprehensive partnership during the official visit to Brazil by General Secretary Nong Duc Manh (May 2007).
In bilateral relations, Vietnam always attaches importance to Brazil's growing international position and wishes to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. Brazil advocates promoting a policy of diversifying relations, in which it considers Vietnam a leading important partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
On that basis, the political relationship between Vietnam and Brazil has become increasingly close and trustworthy, as demonstrated by the results of regular visits and contacts between senior leaders and ministries and sectors of the two countries, including the official visits to Brazil by President Le Duc Anh (October 1995); President Tran Duc Luong (November 2004); National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An (March 2006); General Secretary Nong Duc Manh (May 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (July 2018); and official visits to Vietnam by President Lula da Silva (July 2008), Foreign Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota (July 2012); Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira (September 2017 and May 2018).
The two countries have signed many agreements and cooperation agreements such as the Agreement on cultural cooperation; Agreement on cooperation between the two chambers of commerce; Agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders; Agreement on medical cooperation; Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation; Agreement on cooperation in maritime transport and civil aviation...
Vietnam and Brazil also maintain close cooperation at international organizations and multilateral forums, especially the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition, the two sides also coordinate to promote cooperation between ASEAN and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). Vietnam supports Brazil to become Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) for the 2011-2016 term and a member of the International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2012-2016 term; Brazil has early supported Vietnam's candidacy for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term...
Economically, Brazil is currently Vietnam's leading trading partner in Latin America. In recent years, bilateral trade relations between Vietnam and Brazil have increased rapidly, from 1.53 billion USD in 2011 to 6.78 billion USD in 2022. In the first 8 months of 2023, trade turnover between the two countries reached 4.46 billion USD. Vietnam mainly exports to Brazil seafood, rubber, textiles, footwear, iron and steel; and imports from Brazil soybeans, wheat, corn, animal feed and raw materials, cotton of all kinds, etc.
Regarding investment, Brazil currently has 6 investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 3.83 million USD, mainly in the fields of manufacturing and processing industry, wholesale and retail, and scientific and technological professional activities.
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Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Pham Thi Kim Hoa speaks at the celebration of the 78th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the capital Brasilia. Photo: VNA[/caption]In addition to economic and trade cooperation, the two countries have also expanded cooperation to the fields of science and technology, health, culture, tourism, sports, etc. In a recent article posted on the website reporteasia.com, expert Ricky Lau said that cultural and educational exchanges are constantly being promoted between the two countries, with many diverse forms from performing arts, cinema to culinary exhibitions, attracting a large audience. Brazil sent Portuguese teachers to Vietnam and Vietnamese people expressed their admiration for Brazilian football, celebrating the victory of the South American country.
In terms of tourism, both Brazil and Vietnam have beautiful landscapes and unique traditional cultures, making them attractive destinations. In recent years, the number of Brazilian tourists to Vietnam and Vietnamese tourists to Brazil has been on the rise.
Author Ricky Lau commented: “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989, over the past 34 years, the relationship between Vietnam and Brazil has continuously developed positively, building political trust and mutual understanding. Political trust, tangible results of the cooperative relationship over more than 3 decades and the potential of both countries are the foundation for the comprehensive partnership to be increasingly consolidated and developed in the near future”./.
Thu Van
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