Vietnam Recognized as One of Brazil’s Key Partners, States Brazilian Official
Buenos Aires, The Gulf Observer: In a recent meeting hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Brasilia, Eduardo Paes Saboia, Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, emphasized the significance of Vietnam as one of Brazil’s key partners in Southeast Asia.
Highlighting the robust growth of bilateral trade, which reached over US$7 billion in 2023, Saboia underlined the deepening ties between the two nations over the past two decades. He emphasized the shared values of peace, friendship, and mutual respect that form the foundation of cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira is slated to visit Vietnam in April, signaling a further strengthening of diplomatic relations. Saboia expressed confidence in Vietnam’s pivotal role in contributing to the success of Brazil’s G20 Presidency.
Márcio Honaiser, President of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, envisioned Vietnam and Brazil acting as a bridge between MERCOSUR and ASEAN, as well as other regional organizations.
Beyond economic and trade cooperation, both countries are committed to enhancing collaboration in technology, culture, tourism, and sports to foster greater friendship and mutual understanding.
Pedro de Oliveira, General Secretary of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association (ABRAVIET), highlighted the association’s efforts over the past 13 years in fostering cooperation and friendship between the two nations in collaboration with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Associations (VUFO).
Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bùi Văn Nghị announced plans for various activities in 2024 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 17 years of comprehensive partnership, including a Vietnam Day in Brazil. Ambassador Nghị underscored the significance of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s visit to Brazil in September, emphasizing Brazil’s status as Vietnam’s largest Latin American partner.
During the event, the Vietnamese Embassy honored individuals who have made significant contributions to diplomatic relations between Vietnam, Brazil, and Bolivia. The “For peace, friendship among nations” insignias were presented to Miguel Peña, Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Bolivia; João Reis, Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Minas Gerais state of Brazil; and journalist Valter Xéu, CEO of Patria Latina Media Group.
Ambassador Nghị held working sessions with Celso Amorim, advisor to the Brazilian President, to discuss increasing high-level delegation exchanges and fulfilling commitments outlined in the joint statement on Prime Minister Chính’s visit to Brazil. Additionally, discussions were held with Paco Britto, Vice Governor and Director for External Relations of the Federal District of Brasilia, regarding the organization of the 35th anniversary celebration of Vietnamese-Brazilian diplomatic relations, Vietnam Day in Brazil, support for Vietnamese firms exploring the Brazilian market, and the establishment of a Vietnam Street in Brasilia to honor President Hồ Chí Minh.
