China-Brazil release joint statement
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: China and Brazil vow to deepen cooperation in various fields under the BRICS framework and call on more countries to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, stated a joint statement released by the Chinese government on Friday.
The joint statement was made during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s state visit to China.
The presidents of China and Brazil also witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral agreements after their meeting, most of which are on political, trade, technological and agricultural cooperation.
China-Brazil relationship
The statement highly evaluated China-Brazil ties, saying both sides need to capitalize on the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year to promote exchanges of visits between the two governments and inter-departmental dialogue and exchanges to enhance political mutual trust.
Brazil reiterated its stance on the Taiwan question, saying it will firmly adhere to the one-China principle. It said that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Brazil supported the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.
Both sides agreed that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis, and all efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be encouraged and supported. Brazil believes that China’s proposal on the Ukraine crisis is helpful to the peaceful settlement of the crisis. Both called on more countries to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
Besides, the two countries agreed to deepen exchanges between their legislative bodies. The Brazilian side announced that it will soon set up the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front and the Brazil-BRICS Parliamentary Front in the Brazilian National Congress.
Both also agreed to improve the China-Brazil High-level Coordination and Cooperation Committee (COSBAN) and decided to hold the fourth comprehensive strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level this year.
The two countries also applauded their dialogue and coordination in international organizations and multilateral mechanisms, saying that they will continue to strengthen exchanges in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as well as multilateral mechanisms such as the G20, BRICS and BASIC countries.
The current world is full of volatility, so it’s important for the two countries to promote the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom of all mankind, read the joint statement. The two sides stressed the need to uphold international law and the central role of the UN in the international system. Both recognized the need for appropriate reform of the UN and the UN Security Council to make it more representative and democratic, so that developing countries could play a greater role.
Cooperation in various fields
China and Brazil stressed climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development issues in the joint statement and decided to establish a sub-committee on environment and climate change under the framework of COSBAN.
The two sides stressed the importance of a fair and equitable approach to energy transition and emission reduction, saying addressing these problems should consider national circumstances, including energy demand and energy security.
To better promote the use of clean energy, the two sides agreed to further carry out bilateral dialogue and exchange of public policy information in relevant areas. At the same time, the two countries will also advance investment, research and development cooperation in the field of renewable energy, especially biological energy, hydrogen energy and sustainable aviation fuel.
The two sides also agreed to further expand trade, promote trade diversification and facilitation, especially in service and agricultural sectors, and accelerate the movement, release and customs clearance of goods.
Investment was also emphasized in the statement. Both encouraged companies to invest in each other’s countries, especially in the areas of infrastructure, clean energy, logistics, mining, agriculture and high technology. Both agreed to provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for companies that invest and do business in each other’s countries per local laws and regulations.
The two countries also agreed to renew their space cooperation, strengthen research and cooperation in agricultural science and technology, tighten sanitary cooperation to reduce epidemic risks, expand cooperation in urban development, and promote culture, tourism, education and sports exchanges, which both believe play a vital role in enhancing mutual understandings.
During Lula’s visit, the two sides signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding covering areas including poverty reduction, food security, scientific and technological innovation, aerospace, information and communications, investment, customs inspection and quarantine, finance, digital economy, trade facilitation and media.
