The state visit to China, April 12-15, by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, his fifth such visit and his first visit outside the Americas since the start of his third presidential term, was a complete success, characterised by the great warmth shared by the two countries and peoples as well as by their respective leaders.
The high point of the visit was the formal talks between the two heads of state, which followed a grand welcoming ceremony, where the playing of a popular Brazilian song from the period of struggle against the pro-American military dictatorship, but which also refers to a new era, a concept intrinsic to Xi Jinping Thought, visibly moved at least one Brazilian minister to tears.
Welcoming President Lula, Xi Jinping acclaimed him as an old friend of China, who he was really happy to meet again. He once again expressed his sympathy for Lula’s recent illness, which had caused him to postpone his visit, as well as his appreciation that he had rescheduled so soon after his recovery.
President Xi pointed out that China and Brazil are the two biggest developing countries and emerging markets in the Eastern and Western hemispheres. As comprehensive strategic partners, China and Brazil share extensive common interests. The overarching, strategic and global influence of China-Brazil relations continues to grow.
The two sides, Xi continued, need to deepen cooperation, steadily advance their major cooperation projects, and further unleash cooperation potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, space, aviation, innovation, and so on.
On regional and international issues, President Xi pledged China’s firm support for Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to cement the sound momentum of peace, stability, independence, solidarity and development, advance regional integration and play a greater role in international affairs. China will work with Brazil to ensure the continued success of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum, take cooperation between China and LAC countries to a new level, and achieve common development. China will also work with Brazil to strengthen cooperation with MERCOSUR [Southern Common Market] and UNASUR [Union of South American Nations]. Facing global changes of a magnitude unseen in a century, China and Brazil are resolved to stand on the right side of history, practice true multilateralism, advocate the common values of humanity, work for a more just and equitable international governance system, truly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international justice and equity, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Responding, President Lula said that his choice for his first visit outside the Americas since his return to the presidency reflects Brazil’s affection for China and commitment to Brazil-China relations. Brazil is committed to building closer relations with China from the strategic perspective of shaping a just and equitable international order. Noting his excellent visit to the Huawei research institute in Shanghai, where he met Chinese business representatives, President Lula expressed deep admiration for China’s 5G progress and his hope to expand Brazil-China cooperation in relevant fields. He believed deeper and greater cooperation with China would contribute to Brazil’s reindustrialisation, help address poverty and other issues and deliver benefits to the people.
On the crisis in Ukraine, both sides agreed that dialogue and negotiation is the only feasible way for settling it and that all efforts that are conducive to its peaceful resolution should be encouraged and supported. They appealed to more countries to play a constructive role for a political settlement.
Following their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of 15 bilateral agreements on trade and investment, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, information and communications, poverty reduction, quarantine, space and other areas. They also issued a Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The joint statement consists of 49 clauses covering the whole spectrum of bilateral relations as well as a number of other issues. In it, the two leaders called for deepening cooperation in such areas as poverty reduction, social development, and scientific and technological innovation, as well as expanding into new areas of cooperation such as environmental protection, tackling climate change, the low-carbon economy and the digital economy.
They affirmed the central role of the United Nations in the international system and supported the promotion of active discussions amongst BRICS members on the group’s expansion process. China expressed its support to the Brazilian G20 Presidency, to begin on December 1 2023, seen as an opportunity to strengthen the priorities of developing countries within the group. Attention was also paid to the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the area of environmental protection, combating climate change and the loss of biodiversity, promoting sustainable development and ways to speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy. And they agreed to deepen dialogue in the economic-financial area and to strengthen trade in local currencies.
The agreement noted that: “Faced with the return of the upward trajectory of people in a state of food insecurity in the world, the two parties recalled the successful experience of both countries in the fight against hunger and extreme poverty, and in the adoption of measures to facilitate low-income populations’ access to healthy eating. Given the commitment of both countries in eradicating hunger and extreme poverty at a global level and in line with the United Nations Decade for Family Farming (2019-2028), they recognised the central role of social policies and family farming for the combating of poverty and malnutrition. In this regard, they agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation. This will establish a joint work plan to address issues related to the fight against hunger and poverty and for rural development, including cooperation in policies and exchange of experiences aimed at improving income transfers, socio-economic inclusion and the sustainability of food production, whether through technical cooperation, adequate machinery, or renewable energy solutions adapted to small rural properties.”
Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, the statement affirmed that Chinese vaccines were instrumental in combating the pandemic in Brazil and contributed to saving millions of Brazilian lives.
The final clause of the agreement states that: “The parties recognised the full success of President Lula’s visit and the outstanding significance of this visit in the history of Brazil-China relations. President Lula thanked President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm welcome and great hospitality received during his visit to China and invited President Xi Jinping to make a State Visit to Brazil on an opportune date in 2024 to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. President Xi Jinping expressed, with satisfaction, his gratitude for the invitation, and the parties will follow-up on it through diplomatic channels.”
We reprint below a report on the talks between the two presidents and the full text of the joint statement. They originally appeared on the websites of the Chinese and Brazilian foreign ministries respectively.
President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva
On the afternoon of 14 April, President Xi Jinping held talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.
President Xi extended a warm welcome to President Lula. He pointed out that China and Brazil are the two biggest developing countries and emerging markets in the Eastern and Western hemispheres. As comprehensive strategic partners, China and Brazil share extensive common interests. The overarching, strategic and global influence of the China-Brazil relations continues to grow. China always views and develops relations with Brazil from a strategic and long-term perspective, and sees the relationship as a high priority on its diplomatic agenda. China will work with Brazil to create a new future for their relations in the new era, deliver greater benefits to the two peoples, and play an important and positive role for peace, stability and prosperity in their regions and around the world.
President Xi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between China and Brazil, and the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year. China is now promoting high-quality development and high-standard opening-up, and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. This will unlock new opportunities for Brazil and countries around the world. President Xi called on the two sides to maintain regular strategic communication and increase experience sharing on national governance. The two sides need to be steadfast in seeing each other as important development opportunities, in supporting each other’s development paths which fit national realities, and in supporting stronger solidarity and collaboration among developing countries. The two sides need to deepen cooperation, steadily advance the major cooperation projects, and further unleash cooperation potential in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, space, aviation, innovation, etc. The two sides also need to explore ways for stronger cooperation on green economy, digital economy, clean energy, etc. China welcomes more high-quality products from Brazil into its market. China will actively explore greater synergy between its Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil’s reindustrialization strategy. Both sides need to capitalize on the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year to carry out more people-to-people exchanges, and cultivate stronger public support for Sino-Brazilian friendship.
President Xi pledged China’s firm support for Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to cement the sound momentum of peace, stability, independence, solidarity and development, advance regional integration and play a greater role in international affairs. China will work with Brazil to ensure the continued success of the China-CELAC Forum, take cooperation between China and LAC countries to a new level, and achieve common development. China will also work with Brazil to strengthen cooperation with MERCOSUR and UNASUR. Facing global changes of a magnitude unseen in a century, China and Brazil are resolved to stand on the right side of history, practice true multilateralism, advocate the common values of humanity, work for a more just and equitable international governance system, truly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international justice and equity, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. China will step up strategic coordination with Brazil on global issues of mutual interest in the UN, BRICS, the G20 and other multilateral institutions, and enhance coordination on climate response.
President Lula said he was honored and proud to head a large delegation on his fourth visit to China. This is his first visit outside the Americas since being elected President last year. This choice reflects Brazil’s affection for China and commitment to Brazil-China relations. China is an indispensable force in global politics, economy and trade, science and technology, and plays a vital role in promoting world peace and development. Brazil is committed to building closer relations with China from the strategic perspective of shaping a just and equitable international order. Brazil’s legislature and society share this strong desire for building strong, multifaceted relations with China. Noting his delightful visit to Huawei where he met Chinese business representatives, President Lula expressed deep admiration for China’s 5G progress and his hope to expand Brazil-China cooperation in relevant fields. He welcomed Chinese investment in support of Brazil’s digital transformation and low-carbon development. He believed deeper and greater cooperation with China would contribute to Brazil’s reindustrialization, help address poverty and other issues and deliver benefits to the people. Brazil stands ready to develop closer exchanges and cooperation with China in education and culture to enhance mutual understanding between their people. Brazil and China share common views and interests on many important international issues. The two sides both uphold multilateralism and international equity and justice. Brazil stands ready to work with China to strengthen strategic coordination in the G20, BRICS and other multilateral institutions, enhance coordination and cooperation in international finance, climate response and environmental protection, and contribute to developing countries’ effort to shake off unfair rules and realize fairer and more balanced development. President Lula expressed his full confidence that Brazil-China relations would embrace a brighter future.
The two presidents also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Both sides agreed that dialogue and negotiation is the only feasible way for settling it and that all efforts that are conducive to its peaceful resolution should be encouraged and supported. They appealed to more countries to play a constructive role for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The two presidents agreed to stay in communication on the issue.
After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of various bilateral cooperation documents on trade and investment, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, information and communications, poverty reduction, quarantine, space and other areas.
The two sides released a Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Joint Communiqué between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the People’s Republic of China on the Deepening of their Global Strategic Partnership
1.At the invitation of the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, paid a State Visit to China between 12 and 15 April 2023.
During the visit, the two Heads of State held meetings in a warm and friendly atmosphere. They exchanged ideas on Sino-Brazilian relations in all areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as on international and regional topics of common interest, reaching many points of consensus. The Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Leji, held separate meetings with President Lula.
2. The Brazilian side extended its warm congratulations on the completion of the first sessions of the 14th National People’s Congress and the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference as well as the re-election of Xi Jinping as President of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. The Chinese side extended its warm congratulations to President Lula for his third mandate from him as the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
3. Both sides recalled and positively evaluate the success of the development of the Brazil-China partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations. They expressed the intention of taking advantage of both the 30th anniversary of the Brazil-China Strategic Partnership this year and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, in 2024, to continue encouraging the exchange of official visits and the dialogue between authorities of both countries, increasing mutual political trust and consolidating the political basis of Sino-Brazilian relations. In so doing, they hope to strengthen the Brazil-China Global Strategic Partnership in an open, inclusive, cooperative and mutually beneficial manner, whilst also deepening cooperation in several areas such as poverty reduction, social development and scientific and technological innovation, as well as expanding into new areas of cooperation such as environmental protection, tackling climate change, the low-carbon economy and the digital economy.
4. Given the current environment of rapid changes and marked international turmoil, both parties considered it necessary to renew efforts in favor of the common values of humanity: peace, development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom. They reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, including the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the United Nations in the international system. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the democratization of international relations and multilateralism.
5. The Brazilian side reiterated its firm support to the One China Principle, the government of the People’s Republic of China being the sole legitimate government of the whole of China, and Taiwan being an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. Whilst reaffirming the principle of territorial integrity of states, Brazil supported the peaceful development of relations between both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese side expressed great appreciation thereof.
6. Both parties reiterated their support for the authority of the UN and its central role in maintaining international peace and security, and in the promotion of development. They recognized the need to reform the UN and its Security Council, with a view to making them more representative and democratic. They also emphasized the impetus for necessary and appropriate Security Council reforms to allow for a greater role to be played by developing countries. The Chinese side attaches great importance to Brazil’s influence and role in regional and international affairs, understands and supports Brazil’s aspiration to play an even more prominent role in the UN.
7. Both parties positively affect the dialogue and coordination they have maintained within international organizations and multilateral mechanisms and will continue to strengthen this exchange within the framework of the UN and other multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as well as in plurilateral groupings such as the G20, BRICS and BASIC. Furthermore, the Chinese side expressed its support for the Brazilian Pro Tempore Presidency of the BRICS in 2025. Both sides committed themselves to the continued deepening of cooperation in all areas within the BRICS. They supported the promotion of active discussions amongst BRICS members on the BRICS expansion process and stressed the need to clarify the guiding principles, norms,
8. Both parties have agreed to continue the fruitful cooperation held between the two countries within the G20 framework. China its expressed support to the Brazilian G20 Presidency, to begin on 1 December 2023, seen as an opportunity to strengthen the priorities of developing countries within the group. Brazil and China share the view that the G20 is the main forum for dialogue and structural cooperation on economic, trade, financial and development issues. Both countries will work for the group to contribute more and more to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
9. Both parties stated that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis in Ukraine and that all efforts leading to a peaceful solution to the crisis must be encouraged and supported. Brazil received in a positive way the proposal by China that offers reflections conducive to the search for a peaceful solution to the crisis. China received in a positive way the efforts by Brazil in favor of peace. The parties made an appeal for more countries to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine. The parties decided to keep in touch on this matter.
10. Bearing in mind that the effects of climate change are already being unequivocally felt, Brazil and China have decided to strengthen their cooperation in the area of environmental protection, combating climate change and the loss of biodiversity, promoting sustainable development and ways to speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy. To this effect, both parties decided to establish, within the scope of the Sino-Brazilian High Level Commission for Consultation and Cooperation (COSBAN), a Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change. Brazil and China are committed to continuing dialogue and coordinating positions on issues of climate and environmental change bilaterally in specific fora such as BASIC and BRICS.
11. Brazil congratulated China, as the president of the 15 th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), on the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework, which introduced an ambitious, balanced and practical framework for halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Both countries pledged to strengthen their cooperation for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and to expand coordination on issues of particular importance to developing countries, including financing for biodiversity, technical-scientific cooperation and transfer of technology. Both countries will also seek to combat desertification, land degradation and drought, in line with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
China congratulated Brazil for the presentation of the candidacy of the city of Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon, as the host of COP30, to be held in 2025. China announced its support of the Brazilian candidacy.
12. Both parties committed to the full implementation of the Strategic Plan 2022-2031 and the Executive Plan 2022-2026, both adopted at the sixth Plenary Session of COSBAN. They decided to further improve COSBAN’s structure and hold the fourth Global Strategic Dialogue (DEG) this year at the level of Foreign Ministers.
13. Both parties highlighted COSBAN’s relevant role in guiding and coordinating bilateral cooperation in its various areas. Within its scope, they have agreed to continue to explore the promotion of reciprocal investment flows in order to seek new complementarities and economic opportunities, always in line with their respective national interests and legislation. Brazil and China have expressed an interest in examining synergies between Brazil’s development policies and investment programmes, including in South American integration efforts, and China’s development policies and international initiatives, including the “Belt and Road Initiative”.
14. Brazil welcomes the Global Development Initiative proposed by China as a way to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on sustainable development. The two countries will work together to pursue a more robust, sustainable and balanced global development, so as no one is left behind.
15. Both parties agreed that the future of all countries is closely intertwined, and that it is necessary to promote tolerance, coexistence, mutual learning and exchange between different civilizations. The Brazilian side took note of the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), presented by the Chinese side. They also recalled the importance of the World Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilization, the third edition of which was hosted by Brazil, in 2010.
16. Both parties underlined the active role that cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, education and sport plays in promoting mutual knowledge between both societies. They pledged to make efforts to increase cultural exchange. Both parties decided to promote agreements on television and cinematographic co-production, which will allow for exchanges in the area of audio-visual production, facilitating closer contacts between the societies and cultures of Brazil and China. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting exchanges between scientific and educational institutions and amongst students, as well as facilitating the teaching of the Chinese language in Brazil and the teaching of Brazilian Portuguese in China; promoting the increase of academic mobility of Chinese students to Brazil;
17. Both parties welcomed the strong flow of bilateral trade. They agreed to further expand trade, actively encourage the diversification of the trade composition, promote trade facilitation, foster trade in services, boost the development of agricultural exchanges, and increase the resilience of production and supply chains. Both parties recognized the good cooperation carried out in the areas of customs and inspection and quarantine. They pledged to create enabling conditions for more competitive and high value-added products to be part of the bilateral trade.
18. Both parties endorsed the strategic nature of bilateral cooperation in agriculture and agricultural trade. They expressed their satisfaction with the agreements reached by the authorities of both countries on sanitary and phytosanitary issues and food safety. They pledged to encourage the strengthening of dialogue in these areas with the firm purpose of promoting the development of safe and smooth trade in food and agricultural products between the two countries.
Both parties expressed great appreciation for the signing of the protocol on sanitary and quarantine requirements for processed terrestrial animals protein and pledged to actively promote consultation on the protocols that support Brazilian exports of pecans, sesame, sorghum and rice. The two parties concluded the work plan for the electronic certification for products of animal origin and committed themselves to following up on negotiations on the work plan for the electronic phytosanitary certificate.
The Brazilian side reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the establishments recommended for registration in China meet requirements, and the Chinese side reaffirmed the authorization, in accordance with procedures, of the establishments that meet requirements.
Both parties agreed to develop technical cooperation towards the prevention and control of avian influenza disease, including the discussion of requirements for country free of avian influenza. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to strengthen exchanges with the Brazilian side on the prevention and control of avian influenza. The Brazilian side reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing prevention and control measures to continue its status of being free of avian influenza.
The Chinese side is willing to speed up the risk assessment process of the foot-and-mouth free zone on the Brazilian side. And the Brazilian side is committed to invite, as soon as possible, the Chinese authorities to visit Brazil to carry out “in loco” evaluations. Both parties will jointly promote the relative evaluation and recognition work.
Both parties welcomed the efforts and cooperation of the respective agencies for the resumption of Brazilian beef exports, which had been suspended in compliance with the provisions of the current bilateral health protocol regarding the occurrence of an atypical case of BSE.
19. They expressed their willingness to promote cooperation between scientific research institutions and companies from both countries in the agricultural sector, in fields such as science, technology, innovation and development. Furthermore, they stated their interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as sustainable and low-carbon agriculture; digital agriculture; soil and conservation technologies; water resources, infrastructure and energy for irrigated agriculture; agrobiotechnology, including facilitating the exchange of genetic material and access for research and development purposes; seeds; agricultural inputs; and investments.
20. Both parties committed themselves to strengthening interactions in the areas of fisheries and aquaculture and recognized the great potential for the development of trade in fish and other products in the sector.
21. Both parties agreed to actively encourage companies from both countries to make reciprocal investments, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, energy transition, logistics, energy, mining, agriculture, industry, especially high technology. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Promotion of Industrial Investment and Cooperation.
22. Both parties recognized the high potential for investment and cooperation between the two countries in the area of transport infrastructure, including railways, and confirmed continued that sustainable economic and social development depends on an efficient transport infrastructure. They expressed their mutual desire to deepen investment and cooperation between the two countries in the field of ports, in particular the development of infrastructure and the improvement of port operations.
23. Both parties recognized the importance of strategic exchanges between the two countries in the aerospace sector. They agreed to reinforce dialogue in this area within the framework of COSBAN, as well as to promote broad industrial cooperation in the sector. They welcomed the partnership between Embraer and Chinese airlines.
24. Both parties recognized their points in common and complementarity in the area of digital economy and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation in Investments in the Digital Economy, to create a digital economy partnership. They agreed to implement the signed Memorandum of Understanding on the Promotion of Cooperation in Investments for Sustainable Development, forging a sustainable development partnership.
25. Both sides agreed on the great potential of e-commerce in promoting trade development. They agreed to implement the memorandum of understanding on bilateral e-commerce cooperation, to carry out practical cooperation under the e-commerce cooperation mechanism, to continue to strengthen policy communication, to encourage inter-company communication and local cooperation, to carry out capacity building , to share development models and experience, jointly promoting the development of digital innovation between Brazil and China.
26. Brazil reiterates its invitation to Chinese investors to expand their investments in Brazil, with emphasis on the Investment Partnerships Program (PPI), one of the largest portfolios of projects in the world for concessions of infrastructure assets, including environmental ones.
27. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Finance of Brazil and the Ministry of Finance of China. They agreed to deepen dialogue in the economic-financial area and to strengthen trade in local currencies. They also agreed to promote cooperation in sustainable financing and collaboration between “think tanks” in the area of finance; to promote exchanges on accounting audit regulation and share regulatory policies and experiences; to continue to offer a business environment that is open, equitable, fair and non-discriminatory to the investments and businesses of each party’s companies in accordance with the laws of the other party. They also agreed to promote high-quality development of investment cooperation.
The Parties agreed to strengthen their dialogue on the promotion of the effective role of the Brazil-China Cooperation Fund for the Expansion of Productive Capacity in the promotion of cooperation in bilateral investment.
28. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in the financial field, particularly in the work undertaken by the New Development Bank-NDB and by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank-AIIB. They agreed to jointly promote these institutions and work so that they promote the common development of both countries and the world. They reaffirmed their support for the NDB and its gradual and geographically balanced process of welcoming new members and raising the level of institutional governance. They highlighted their role in giving emerging markets and developing countries greater prominence and voice in global economic governance. They welcomed former President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, as the new President of the NDB.
29. Both parties recognized the importance of the energy transition and the mitigation of emissions at both the domestic and global level in a fair and equitable manner, which takes into account the specificities of national realities, the increase in demand for energy and the crucial importance of energy security. They agreed to promote bilateral dialogue on these topics and the exchange of information on the respective policies aimed at promoting the use of clean energies and promoting research and development of technologies for the decarbonisation of the respective energy mixes.
30. The parties renewed their interest in working together in the areas of renewable energies, transition and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on bioenergy, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels, and promoting reciprocal investments, research and innovation in the area of energy transition.
31. Both parties recognized the strategic role of Science, Technology and Innovation for development policies and the competitiveness of their countries’ economies. They noted that bilateral cooperation is a key instrument in achieving these goals. Given this, they decided to strengthen cooperation in areas such as electronic commerce, low-carbon economy, digital economy and information and communication technologies. They agreed to encourage interaction between the start-up ecosystems of the two countries, the establishment of joint Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Centers and RD&I projects in partnership.
32. Both parties agreed on the great potential for cooperation and investment between Brazil and China in the area of Information and Communication Technologies. They expressed their great satisfaction with the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding on the matter. They agreed to encourage greater rapprochement between actors in the public and private sectors, as well as to encourage mechanisms that favor the creation of associations (“joint ventures”) and technological partnerships between companies in Brazil and China. They expressed their interest in further promoting the diversification of mutual investments, following the example of those announced by Chinese companies, in the technological development of the telecommunications sector and electronic products in Brazil.
33. The parties recalled the success of the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite Program (CBERS), established in 1988, and renewed their commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation for the peaceful use of outer space, with emphasis on the joint development of new technologies and projects with elements of technology transfer. They expressed great satisfaction with the signing of the Complementary Protocol for the Joint Development of CBERS-6 and the Space Cooperation Plan 2023-2032 between Brazil and China. They agreed to accelerate the research and development of CBERS-6 and the implementation of projects in the Space Cooperation Plan, as well as to deepen the evaluation of CBERS-5 and to expand cooperation in areas such as lunar exploration and deep space. Furthermore, they supported the development of the BINGO Radio Telescope, currently under construction in Brazil, aimed at research on dark matter. They also highlighted the relevance of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, an example of South-South cooperation with benefits for all involved. They stressed that the peaceful use of outer space, including deep space exploration, must have international law as its basis and must be conducive to the promotion of international cooperation.
34. Recalling that Brazil is one of the few countries with fourth-generation synchrotron light technology and that China is also developing fourth-generation synchrotron light technology, the two parties will work together to develop the next generation of synchrotron technology. They welcomed the cooperation between the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil (MCTI) and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) for collaboration between Sirius and HEPS.
35. They agreed to intensify efforts to facilitate the flow of people between the two countries and expand touristic exchanges. Recalling that stimulating tourism between the two countries is an objective enshrined in the Bilateral Executive Plan 2022-2026, the parties are willing to promote the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Tourism. Brazil appreciates China’s decision to include the country in its list of countries authorized to receive groups of Chinese tourists.
36. As sports powers, Brazil and China are willing to promote the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Sports Cooperation, seeking to encourage exchanges in various sports, as well as sports medicine and science.
37. Faced with the return of the upward trajectory of people in a state of food insecurity in the world, the two parties recalled the successful experience of both countries in the fight against hunger and extreme poverty, and in the adoption of measures to facilitate low -income populations’ access to healthy eating. Given the commitment of both countries in eradicating hunger and extreme poverty at a global level and in line with the United Nations Decade for Family Farming (2019-2028), they recognized the central role of social policies and family farming for combating poverty and malnutrition . In this regard, they agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation. This will establish a joint work plan to address issues related to the fight against hunger and poverty and rural development,
38. Recognizing the importance of linking the rural development agendas and the fight against hunger, they celebrated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger (MDS) and the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture (MDA) of Brazil and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of China, with the aim of deepening cooperation in the areas of social and rural development with a view to joint initiatives to combat hunger and poverty.
39. In order to mitigate the risks of epidemics, Brazil and China are committed to closer cooperation in the field of health. To this end, they welcomed the announcement, during the most recent Chinese presidency of the BRICS, of initiatives such as the Early Warning System for Epidemics and the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre. Brazil and China are also committed to promoting bilateral scientific exchange in areas such as the production of vaccines and drugs and the early fight against diseases with epidemic potential.
40. Brazil and China welcomed the bilateral cooperation established in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese vaccines were instrumental in combating the pandemic in Brazil and contributed to saving millions of Brazilian lives. Furthermore, the rigorous and innovative testing of the vaccines by the Brazilian community contributed towards demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the Chinese immunisers.
41. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in the field of urban development and are willing to promote the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation in Urban Development.
42. The parties decided to initiate a dialogue between the authorities responsible for international development cooperation and humanitarian cooperation with a view to expanding mutual knowledge, the exchange of good practices, the exchange of information on thematic and geographic priorities and the possible coordination of positions in multilateral fora on cooperation for development. They agreed to work together to encourage trilateral cooperation.
43. The parties agreed to deepen the exchange between the legislative bodies and their specific commissions and friendship groups, to make better use of the Regular Exchange Mechanism between the legislative bodies of Brazil and China. The Brazilian side announced the recent establishment of the Brazil-China and BRICS Parliamentary Fronts of the Brazilian National Congress.
44. The parties agreed to reinforce exchanges and cooperation between subnational entities. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to continue supporting the establishment of the Consulate General of Brazil in Chengdu and the exercise of its functions, and expanding exchanges between Brazil and the Centre-West of China. The Brazilian side highlighted the interest that, once opened and in operation, the new Consulate General of Brazil in Chengdu will boost bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on scientific-technological issues.
45. The parties agreed to seek to strengthen, together with other Latin American and Caribbean partners, cooperation within the framework of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-China Forum, and are committed to work towards the implementation of the 2022 -2024 Action Plan, in order to generate a set of concrete results leading up to the 2024 CELAC-China Forum Summit, which will be celebrating its tenth anniversary, so as to jointly promote the deepening of LAC-China relations characterized by equality, mutual benefits, innovation, openness and benefits for the people. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to deepen cooperation in the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) – China relations.
46. They agreed on the importance of defending the multilateral trade system with the WTO at its centre. They reiterated, to this end, their commitment to international trade based on multilaterally agreed rules and with the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, openness and inclusiveness. They highlighted the importance of restoring the functioning of the WTO dispute settlement system and agreed to promote the development of economic globalization in a direction that is more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.
47. The parties recognized the importance of dialogue between Chinese and Brazilian companies for the development of economic and trade relations between the two countries. They encouraged companies to establish new partnerships. They welcomed the success of the Brazil-China Economic Seminar, held in Beijing, on March 29, 2023.
48. The parties either signed an agreement or reached a consensus on a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding in areas such as poverty reduction; fighting hunger; food security; science, technology and innovation; space cooperation; information and communication technologies; investments; customs inspection and quarantine; finance; digital economy; trade facilitation; television production; and media.
49. The parties recognized the full success of President Lula’s visit and the outstanding significance of this visit in the history of Brazil-China relations. President Lula thanked President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm welcome and great hospitality received during his visit to China and invited President Xi Jinping to make a State Visit to Brazil on an opportune date in 2024 to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. President Xi Jinping expressed, with satisfaction, his gratitude for the invitation, and the parties will follow-up on it through diplomatic channels.
Joint Declaration between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the People’s Republic of China on Deepening the Global Strategic Partnership
(Beijing, April 14, 2023)
1. At the invitation of the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, made a state visit to China, between April 12 and 15, 2023.
During the visit, the two heads of state held a meeting in a warm and cordial atmosphere. They exchanged insights on Sino-Brazilian relations in all areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as on international and regional issues of common interest, reaching broad consensus. The Prime Minister of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Leji, held separate meetings with President Lula.
2. The Brazilian side expressed warm congratulations on holding the first sessions of the 14th National People’s Congress and the 14th Central Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and on the re-election of Xi Jinping as President of the People’s Republic of China and as Chairman of the Central Military Commission . The Chinese side expressed warm congratulations to President Lula for his third term as President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
3. The parties recalled and positively evaluated the successes achieved in the development of the Brazil-China partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations. They expressed the willingness of both parties to take advantage of the 30th anniversary of the Brazil-China Strategic Partnership this year and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024 to continue to encourage the exchange of official visits and dialogue between the authorities of the two countries, increasing trust. mutual policy and consolidating the political basis of Sino-Brazil relations, with a view to strengthening the Brazil-China Global Strategic Partnership in an open, inclusive, cooperative and mutually beneficial manner, and deepening cooperation in various areas such as combating poverty, social development and scientific and technological innovation,
4. The two parties considered that, in the current context of rapid changes and marked international turmoil, it is necessary to renew efforts in favor of the common values of humanity: peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom. They reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, including the purposes and principles in the Charter of the United Nations, as its indispensable cornerstone, and to the central role of the United Nations in the international system. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the democratization of international relations and multilateralism.
5. The Brazilian side reiterated that it firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legal government representing the whole of China, while Taiwan is an inseparable part of the Chinese territory. By reaffirming the principle of territorial integrity of states, it supported the peaceful development of relations across the two sides of the Taiwan Straits. The Chinese side expressed great appreciation in this regard.
6. The Parties reiterate their support for the authority of the UN and its central role in maintaining international peace and security and promoting development. They recognized the need to reform the UN and its Security Council, with a view to making them more representative and democratic. They also emphasized the impetus for necessary and appropriate Security Council reforms to allow for a greater role to be played by developing countries. The Chinese side attaches great importance to Brazil’s influence and role in regional and international affairs, understands and supports Brazil’s aspiration to play an even more prominent role in the UN.
7. The parties evaluated as positive the dialogue and coordination they maintain within international organizations and multilateral mechanisms and will continue to strengthen this exchange within the framework of the UN and other multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and in plurilateral groupings such as the G20, BRICS and BASIC. The Chinese side also expressed support for Brazil in the exercise of the BRICS presidency in 2025. The two parties committed themselves to the continuous deepening of cooperation in all areas within the scope of the BRICS. Supported the promotion of active discussions among BRICS members on the BRICS expansion process and stressed the need to clarify the guiding principles, norms,
8. The parties agreed to continue the fruitful cooperation maintained by the two countries within the framework of the G20. China expressed its support and support for the Brazilian presidency of the G20, starting on December 1, 2023, seen as an opportunity to strengthen the priorities of developing countries within the group. Brazil and China share the vision that the G20 is the main forum for dialogue and structural cooperation on economic, trade, financial and development issues. The two countries will work for the group to increasingly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
9. The parties affirm that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis in Ukraine and that all efforts leading to a peaceful solution to the crisis should be encouraged and supported. Brazil positively received the Chinese proposal that offers reflections conducive to the search for a peaceful way out of the crisis. China welcomed Brazil’s efforts towards peace. The parties called on more countries to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine. The parties decided to maintain contact on the subject.
10. Bearing in mind that the effects of climate change are already being unequivocally felt, Brazil and China decided to strengthen their cooperation in the area of environmental protection, combating climate change and the loss of biodiversity, promoting sustainable development and ways of accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon economy. In this sense, the two parties decided to establish, within the scope of the Sino-Brazilian Commission of High Level of Concertation and Cooperation (COSBAN), a Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. Brazil and China are committed to continuing dialogue and coordinating positions on issues of climate and environmental change bilaterally in specific instances such as BASIC and BRICS.
11. Brazil congratulated China, president of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), for adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which introduced an ambitious, balanced and practical framework to eliminate and reverse the loss of biodiversity. Both countries pledged to strengthen their cooperation for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and to expand coordination on issues of particular importance to developing countries, including financing for biodiversity, technical-scientific cooperation and transfer of technology. Both countries will also seek to combat desertification, land degradation and drought, in accordance with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
China congratulated Brazil for presenting the candidacy of the city of Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon, as the host of COP30, to be held in 2025. China announced support for the Brazilian candidacy.
12. The parties committed themselves to the full implementation of the Strategic Plan 2022-2031 and the Executive Plan 2022-2026, both adopted at the VI Plenary Session of COSBAN. They decided to further improve COSBAN’s structure and hold the IV Global Strategic Dialogue (DEG) this year at the level of chancellors.
13. The Parties underscored COSBAN’s relevant role in guiding and coordinating bilateral cooperation in its various areas. They agreed to continue exploring, in this context, the promotion of reciprocal investment flows in order to seek new complementarities and economic opportunities, always in line with their respective national interests and legislation. Brazil and China have expressed an interest in examining synergies between Brazil’s development policies and investment programs, including in South American integration efforts, and China’s development policies and international initiatives, including the “Belt and Belt Initiative”. Route”.
14. Brazil welcomes the Global Development Initiative proposed by China as a way to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The two countries will work together to seek a more robust, sustainable and balanced global development, in a way that leaves no one behind.
15. The two parties agreed that the future of all countries is closely intertwined, and it is necessary to promote tolerance, coexistence, exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations. The Brazilian side took note of the Global Civilization Initiative (ICG) presented by the Chinese side. They also recalled the importance of the United Nations World Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, whose third edition was hosted by Brazil, in 2010.
16. The parties underscored the active role that cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, education and sport plays in promoting mutual knowledge between both societies. They pledged to make efforts to increase cultural exchange. The two parties decided to promote agreements on television and film co-production, which will allow exchanges in the area of audiovisual production, facilitating closer contacts between the societies and cultures of Brazil and China. Reaffirmed their commitment to promoting exchanges between scientific and educational institutions and among students, as well as facilitating the teaching of the Chinese language in Brazil and the teaching of Brazilian Portuguese in China; promote the increase of academic mobility of Chinese students to Brazil;
17. The parties welcomed the strong bilateral trade flows. They agreed to further expand the trade chain, actively encourage the diversification of the trade agenda, promote trade facilitation, foster trade in services, boost the development of agricultural exchanges, and increase the resilience of production and supply chains. The parties recognized the good cooperation carried out in the areas of customs and inspection and quarantine. They pledged to create enabling conditions for more competitive and high value-added products to be part of bilateral trade.
18. The two sides affirmed the strategic nature of bilateral cooperation in agriculture and agricultural trade. They expressed their satisfaction with the understanding reached by the authorities of both countries on sanitary and phytosanitary issues and food safety. They pledged to encourage the strengthening of dialogue in these areas with the firm purpose of promoting the safe and fluid development of trade in food and agricultural products between the two countries.
The two parties expressed great appreciation for the signing of the protocol on sanitary and quarantine requirements for processed protein from terrestrial animals and pledged to actively promote consultation on the protocols that support Brazilian exports of pecans, sesame, sorghum and rice. The two parties concluded the work plan on the electronic certificate for products of animal origin and committed themselves to following up on negotiations on the work plan on the electronic phytosanitary certificate.
The Brazilian side reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that the establishments recommended for qualification in China meet the requirements, and the Chinese side reaffirmed the authorization, in accordance with the procedures, of the establishments that meet the requirements.
The parties agreed to develop technical cooperation towards the prevention and control of avian influenza disease, including discussion of the avian influenza-free country requirement. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to strengthen exchanges with the Brazilian side on the prevention and control of avian influenza. The Brazilian side reaffirmed its commitment to reinforce prevention and control measures to continue with the avian influenza-free status.
The Chinese side is willing to speed up the risk assessment process of the foot-and-mouth disease free zone on the Brazilian side. And the Brazilian side undertakes to invite, as soon as possible, the Chinese authorities to visit Brazil to carry out the “in loco” evaluations. The two parties will jointly promote the relative evaluation and recognition work.
The parties welcomed the efforts and cooperation of the respective agencies for the resumption of Brazilian beef exports, which had been suspended in compliance with the provisions of the current bilateral health protocol regarding the occurrence of an atypical case of BSE.
19. They expressed their willingness to promote cooperation in the agricultural area between scientific research institutions and companies from both countries, in fields such as science, technology, innovation and development. They also stated their interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as sustainable and low-carbon agriculture; digital agriculture; soil conservation technologies; water resources, infrastructure and energy for irrigated agriculture; agrobiotechnology, including facilitating the exchange of genetic material and access for research and development purposes; seeds; agricultural inputs; and investments.
20. The parties committed themselves to strengthening interactions in the areas of fisheries and aquaculture and recognized the great potential for the development of trade in fish and other products in the sector.
21. The two parties agreed to actively encourage companies from both countries to make reciprocal investments, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, energy transition, logistics, energy, mining, agriculture, industry, especially high technology. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Promotion of Industrial Investment and Cooperation.
22. The two parties recognized the high potential for investment and cooperation by the two countries in the area of transport infrastructure, including railways, and confirmed that continued sustainable economic and social development depends on an efficient transport infrastructure. They expressed their mutual desire to deepen investments and cooperation between the two countries in the field of ports, in particular the development of infrastructure and the improvement of port operations.
23. The two parties recognized the importance of strategic exchanges in the aerospace sector between the two countries. They agreed to reinforce the dialogue in this area within the framework of COSBAN, as well as to promote broad industrial cooperation in the sector. They welcomed the partnership between Embraer and Chinese airlines.
24. The two parties recognized the commonalities and complementarity in the area of digital economy and welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation in Investments in the Digital Economy, to create the digital economy partnership. They agreed to implement the signed Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Cooperation in Investments for Sustainable Development, forging a sustainable development partnership.
25. The two sides agreed on the great potential of e-commerce in promoting trade development, agreed to implement the memorandum of understanding on bilateral e-commerce cooperation, carry out practical cooperation under the e-commerce cooperation mechanism, continue to strengthen communication on policies, encourage inter-company communication and local cooperation, carry out capacity building, share development models and experiences, jointly promoting the development of digital innovation between Brazil and China.
26. Brazil reiterates its invitation to Chinese investors to expand their investments in Brazil, with emphasis on the Investment Partnerships Program (PPI), one of the largest portfolios of projects in the world for infrastructure asset concessions, including environmental ones.
27. The two parties expressed satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Finance of Brazil and the Ministry of Finance of China. They agreed to deepen dialogue in the economic-financial area and to strengthen trade in local currencies. They also agreed to promote cooperation in sustainable financing and collaboration between “think tanks” in the area of finance, promote exchanges on accounting audit regulation and share regulatory policies and experiences, continuing to offer an open, equitable, fair business environment and non-discriminatory to the investments and businesses of each party’s companies in accordance with the legislation of the other party. They also agreed to promote high-quality development of investment cooperation.
The Parties agreed to strengthen the dialogue on promoting the effective role of the Brazil-China Cooperation Fund for the Expansion of Productive Capacity in promoting bilateral investment cooperation.
28. The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the advances achieved in the financial field, particularly in the works undertaken by the New Development Bank-NDB and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank-AIIB. They agreed to jointly promote these institutions and work for them to promote the common development of both countries and the world. They reaffirmed their support for the NDB and its gradual and geographically balanced process of welcoming new members and raising the level of institutional governance. They underscored their role in giving emerging markets and developing countries greater prominence and voice in global economic governance. They welcomed former President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Dilma Rousseff as the new President of the NDB.
29. The two parties recognized the importance of the energy transition and the mitigation of emissions at the domestic and global level in a fair and equitable manner, which takes into account the specificities of national realities, the increase in demand for energy and the imperative of security energy. They agreed to promote bilateral dialogue on these topics and the exchange of information on the respective policies aimed at promoting the use of clean energies and promoting research and development of technologies for the decarbonization of the respective energy matrices.
30. The parties renewed their interest in working together in the areas of renewable energies, transition and energy efficiency, with an emphasis on bioenergy, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuels, and promoting reciprocal investments, research and innovation in the area of energy transition.
31. The two parties recognized the strategic role of Science, Technology and Innovation for development policies and the competitiveness of their countries’ economies. They noted that bilateral cooperation is a key instrument for achieving these goals. In this sense, they decided to strengthen cooperation in areas such as electronic commerce, low carbon economy, digital economy and information and communication technologies. They agreed to encourage interaction between the startup ecosystems of the two countries, the establishment of joint Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Centers and RD&I projects in partnership.
32. The two parties agreed on the great potential for cooperation and investment between Brazil and China in the area of Information and Communication Technologies. They expressed their great satisfaction with the signing of the Memoranda of Understanding on the subject. They agreed to encourage greater rapprochement between actors in the public and private sectors, as well as encourage mechanisms that favor the creation of associations (“joint ventures”) and technological partnerships between companies in Brazil and China. They expressed their interest in further promoting the diversification of mutual investments, following the example of those announced by Chinese companies, in the technological development of the telecommunications sector and electronic products in Brazil.
33. The parties recalled the success of the Sino-Brazilian Earth Resources Satellite Program (CBERS), established in 1988, and renewed their commitment to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation for the peaceful use of outer space, with emphasis on the joint development of new technologies and in projects with elements of technology transfer. They expressed great satisfaction with the signing of the Complementary Protocol for the Joint Development of CBERS-6 and the Space Cooperation Plan 2023-2032 between Brazil and China. They agreed to accelerate the research and development of CBERS-6 and the implementation of projects in the Space Cooperation Plan, as well as deepen the evaluation of CBERS-5 and expand cooperation in areas such as lunar exploration and deep space. They also supported the development of the BINGO Radiotelescope, currently under construction in Brazil, aimed at research on dark matter. They also highlighted the relevance of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation, an example of South-South cooperation with benefits for all involved. They stressed that the peaceful use of outer space, including deep space exploration, must have international law as its basis and must be conducive to the promotion of international cooperation.
34. Recalling that Brazil is one of the few countries that have fourth-generation synchrotron light technology and that China is also developing fourth-generation synchrotron light technology, the two parties will work together to develop the new generation of technology of synchrotron light. Welcomed the cooperation between the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil (MCTI) and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS ) for collaborations between Sirius and HEPS.
35. They agreed to intensify efforts to facilitate the flow of people between the two countries and expand tourist exchanges. By recalling that stimulating tourism between the two countries is an objective enshrined in the Bilateral Executive Plan 2022-2026, the parties are willing to promote the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Tourism. Brazil appreciates the Chinese decision to include the country in the list of countries authorized to receive groups of Chinese tourists.
36. As sports powers, Brazil and China are ready to promote the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Sports Cooperation, seeking to encourage exchanges in different sports modalities, as well as medicine and sports science.
37. Faced with the return of the upward trajectory of people in a state of food insecurity in the world, the two parties recalled the successful experience of both countries in the fight against hunger and extreme poverty, and in the adoption of measures to facilitate the access of the populations from low income to healthy eating. Given the commitment of both countries to the eradication of hunger and extreme poverty at a global level and in line with the United Nations Decade for Family Farming (2019-2028), they recognized the central role of social policies and family farming for the combating poverty and malnutrition. In this regard, they agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in order to establish a joint work plan to address issues relating to the fight against hunger and poverty and rural development,
38. Recognizing the importance of linking the agendas of rural development and the fight against hunger, they celebrated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger (MDS) and the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Agriculture (MDA) of Brazil and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of China, with the aim of deepening cooperation in the areas of social and rural development with a view to joint initiatives to combat hunger and poverty.
39. Brazil and China are committed to closer cooperation in the area of health to mitigate epidemic risks. In this regard, they welcomed the announcement, during the most recent Chinese presidency of the BRICS, of initiatives such as the Early Warning System for Epidemics and the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center. Brazil and China are also committed to promoting bilateral scientific exchange in areas such as the production of vaccines and drugs and the early fight against diseases with epidemic potential.
40. Brazil and China welcomed the bilateral cooperation established on the occasion of facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese vaccines were instrumental in combating the pandemic in Brazil and contributed to saving millions of Brazilian lives. Furthermore, the rigorous and innovative testing to which the vaccines were subjected by the community in Brazil contributed to demonstrating the safety and efficacy of Chinese immunizers.
41. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in the field of urban development and are willing to promote the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation in Urban Development.
42. The parties decided to initiate a dialogue between the authorities responsible for international development cooperation and humanitarian cooperation with a view to expanding mutual knowledge, the exchange of good practices, the exchange of information on thematic and geographic priorities and possible coordination of positions in multilateral forums on cooperation for development. They agreed to work together to encourage trilateral cooperation.
43. The parties agreed to deepen the exchange between the legislative bodies and their specific commissions and the friendship groups, to make better use of the Regular Exchange Mechanism between the legislative bodies of Brazil and China. The Brazilian side announced the recent establishment of the Brazil-China and BRICS Parliamentary Fronts of the Brazilian National Congress.
44. The parties agreed on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between subnational entities. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to continue supporting the establishment of the Consulate General of Brazil in Chengdu and the exercise of its functions and expanding exchanges between Brazil and the Center-West of China. The Brazilian side highlighted the interest that, once opened and in operation, the new Consulate General of Brazil in Chengdu will boost bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on scientific-technological issues.
45. The parties agreed to seek to strengthen, together with other Latin American and Caribbean partners, cooperation within the framework of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)-China Forum, and pledged to work for the implementation of the 2022-2024 Action Plan, in order to generate a set of concrete results, with a view to the Summit meeting of the CELAC-China Forum (FCC) in 2024, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary, to jointly promote the deepening of the ALC-China relations characterized for equality, mutual benefits, innovation, openness and benefits for people. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to deepen cooperation in the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) – China.
46. They agreed on the importance of defending the WTO-centered multilateral trading system. In this regard, they reiterated their commitment to international trade based on multilaterally agreed rules and the principles of transparency, non-discrimination, openness and inclusiveness. They highlighted the importance of restoring the functioning of the WTO dispute settlement system and agreed to promote the development of economic globalization towards a more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial direction for all.
47. The parties recognized the importance of dialogue between Chinese and Brazilian companies for the development of economic and trade relations between the two countries. They encouraged companies to establish new partnerships. They welcomed the success of the Brazil-China Economic Seminar, held in Beijing, on March 29, 2023.
48. The parties signed or reached consensus on a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding in areas such as poverty reduction; fighting hunger; food security; science, technology and innovation; space cooperation; information and communication technologies; investments; customs inspection and quarantine; finance; digital economy; trade facilitation; television production; and media.
49. The parties recognized the full success of President Lula’s visit and the outstanding significance of this visit in the history of Brazil-China relations. President Lula thanked President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm welcome and great hospitality received during his visit to China and invited President Xi Jinping to make a state visit to Brazil at an opportune date in 2024 to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. President Xi Jinping gratefully acknowledged the invitation, and the parties will discuss the matter through diplomatic channels.
