Brazil's foreign minister says Korea can guide fight against poverty, hunger

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Brazil's foreign minister says Korea can guide fight against poverty, hunger

Published: 01 Oct. 2024, 07:00

LIM JEONG-WON
lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr

Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira [MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF BRAZIL]

Korea and Brazil are poised to deepen bilateral relations with trade and investment serving as key drivers of growth, Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira emphasized in a recent interview.

As the two nations mark 65 years of diplomatic ties, both are focusing on fostering cooperation in technology, green energy and biopharmaceuticals.

Brazilian leaders are eager to welcome Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the G20 summit in Brazil, where priorities such as combating hunger, addressing climate change and reforming global governance will be discussed, Vieira said. Brazil sees Korea as a valuable partner in these global efforts, particularly in light of its achievements in poverty reduction and green technology.

“Korea's remarkable economic development in recent decades, particularly its success in poverty reduction and social development, can offer valuable insights and contributions in the context of combating hunger and poverty worldwide,” the foreign minister said in a written interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily.

He met with Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul Friday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Vieira also highlighted Brazil’s push for UN Security Council reform and the potential lessons Korean policymakers can draw from Brazil’s experience in regional integration in Latin America.

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q. You met with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in New York on Friday. Brazil and Korea also established a trade and investment framework signed last November. Please tell us about measures Brazil is taking to enhance trade relations with Korea, and are there any specific sectors where you see the greatest potential for growth and collaboration?

A. South Korea is Brazil’s 12th largest trading partner and a significant investor in our country, with assets totaling over $11 billion. Korean investments are concentrated in technology-intensive sectors such as IT products, automotive and auto parts, heavy equipment and semiconductors. We also have cooperation initiatives in the aerospace and biopharmaceutical sectors, showcasing a shared interest in innovation and advanced technologies. The Trade and Investment Promotion Framework signed last year will play an important role in fostering deeper economic ties, serving as a bridge between our governments and private sectors and identifying new areas of mutual interest for joint undertakings.

The active engagement by our private sectors is key and, in this spirit, the 13th Korea-Brazil Business Forum was held on Aug. 22, just a month ago, here in Seoul. We also favor the establishment of a business council or a similar framework to facilitate interactions and provide valuable insights to policymakers. Being a green energy, agricultural and environmental powerhouse, Brazil foresees huge potential to further develop with South Korea initiatives on green hydrogen and other biofuels, sustainable mobility, biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals.

Brazil has three major priorities for the G20 summit: combating hunger and poverty, addressing climate change and promoting a reform of global governance. Which of these three priorities would you wish to see Korea engage in especially?

We would be very glad to welcome President Yoon at the G20 summit in November. During Brazil's G20 presidency, we identified a limited set of priorities as a way to focus the Group’s efforts on the most urgent tasks facing the international community. Korea's remarkable economic development in recent decades, particularly its success in poverty reduction and social development, can offer valuable insights and contributions in the context of combating hunger and poverty worldwide. The fight against hunger and poverty is a top priority for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration, and the establishment of the G20 "Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty" will offer to all interested countries access to public policy tools that have been successfully tested elsewhere, such as targeted cash transfers, school meal programs and support for family farming.

Korea's active engagement in the initiative can contribute significantly to its success. Furthermore, we recognize and commend Korea's engagement in combating climate change, with its commitment to environmental sustainability and green technology, investments in renewable energies, energy efficiency and low-carbon solutions. Its active participation can drive significant progress in global climate action.

Korea and Brazil are celebrating 65 years of bilateral relations this year. How do you see the current state of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Korea, and what initiatives are in place to further strengthen these ties?

Brazil and Korea share a dynamic partnership that has grown significantly over the past 65 years, encompassing a wide array of political, economic, and cultural exchanges, enhanced by the presence of a large, 50,000-strong Korean community in Brazil, perfectly integrated into our society. Our diplomatic relations are characterized by mutual respect, shared values and a steadfast commitment to global peace and prosperity.

Beyond bilateral cooperation, the partnership aims to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development and peace and stability, reflecting our common vision for a better future. We are working on several initiatives to strengthen these ties, recognizing the potential for further collaboration between our countries, including a "plan of action" that lays down a road map for high-level political dialogue, trade and investment promotion, business cooperation and joint endeavors in science, technology, and innovation, with the aim to elevate our relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

How do you see the role of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the relationship between Brazil and Korea, and what initiatives are being taken to encourage these interactions?

People-to-people exchanges are vital to reinforce the relationship between Brazil and Korea, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation between our cultures. We have been encouraging more interactions through exchange programs, tourism initiatives and collaborative projects in the arts and sports. The Work-Holiday Agreement will further enhance these efforts by enabling young people from both nations to experience life in each other's countries through extended stays. This program facilitates cultural immersion, language learning and the forging of personal connections that transcend borders. Despite the geographical distances that separate us, fostering binational connections, particularly among younger generations, can create lasting bonds that will endure for years to come.

Brazil is the leading regional power in Latin America and an emerging world power, and has emphasized regional integration in regard to foreign policy. In this regard, would there be any lessons from Brazil for South Korean foreign policymakers and diplomats especially on regional integration in East Asia?

The integration of Brazil with Latin America is a principle enshrined in our Constitution, underscoring my country’s commitment to regional cooperation and unity. Brazil has borders with 10 countries, and for nearly 170 years we have enjoyed peaceful coexistence with the entire region. While Latin America and East Asia are distinct regions with unique cultures, societies and histories, we believe that Brazil’s experience in Latin America provides valuable lessons.

Our regional approach emphasizes the importance of building trust among nations, fostering economic cooperation, promoting open and respectful political dialogue, focusing on common goals such as, in our case, sustainable development and poverty reduction, and addressing shared challenges like climate change and security concerns. The principles Brazil has embraced in its relations with the international community — respect for differing views, commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and avoidance of any type of escalation — can serve as a valuable framework for fostering stability and cooperation in any part of the world.

Brazil is currently seeking a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, proposing an expansion beyond the current 15 members to 25. How is Brazil pursuing plans to gain a permanent seat on the council?

The multilateral institutions currently tasked with promoting peace, stability and sustainable development are sadly paralyzed or otherwise unable to fulfill their tasks. They must evolve to better represent the diversity of their membership and test new engagement formats more conducive to positive outcomes. Brazil has advocated for years for a reform of multilateral institutions and has made it a central priority for the G20.

We believe that all voices must be heard and taken into account in global decision-making, with updated governance structures, more inclusivity and enhanced transparency. The UN Council is in urgent need of reform. Brazil is a vocal advocate of the expansion of the Council to reflect the current geopolitical landscape, making it more representative, legitimate and effective. We are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with other nations who share our vision for a reformed Council. Our goal is to work with the international community to achieve a more inclusive and accountable Security Council. Adding more developing countries as permanent members and the expansion of nonpermanent seats is essential to ensure equitable representation and to address the concerns of the Global South. After all, we represent 85 percent of the world population, 40 percent of global GDP and the vast majority of countries seated at the United Nations.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]