Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bùi Văn Nghị. — VNA/VNS Photo

BUENOS AIRES — Brazil’s Correio Braziliense newspaper on Tuesday published an article by Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bùi Văn Nghị, who affirmed that the relationship between the two countries is developing strongly, evidenced by the outcomes of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s recent working visit for attendance in the expanded BRICS Summit and bilateral activities.

In the article on Correio Braziliense - one of Brazil's most reputable and long-standing newspapers, Ambassador Nghị highlighted that on November 17, 2024, during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Chính and Brazilian President Lula da Silva announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant diplomatic milestone and demonstrating strong political commitment from both sides.

The ambassador emphasised that diplomacy serves as a solid foundation of this relationship, providing stability and orientation. With a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralisation, Việt Nam has viewed Brazil as an ideal partner that shares a common vision of a just world based on international law.

Bilateral cooperation has also expanded across multilateral forums. At the United Nations, both countries support the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, while within the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the two sides coordinate to defend the interests of developing countries and promote fair trade. Efforts to strengthen ties between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) are opening up a promising inter-regional bridge as well, Nghi said.

With 16 free trade agreements currently in effect, Việt Nam serves as a gateway for Brazil to access the Asian market. In addition, although investment remains modest, with seven Brazilian projects in Việt Nam valued at US$3.8 million as of October last year, the potential for growth is significant. Việt Nam prioritises high-tech sectors, clean energy, the digital economy, and biotechnology, while Brazil has strengths in ethanol and renewable energy.

The ambassador affirmed that the Strategic Partnership between Việt Nam and Brazil symbolises cooperation among developing countries. Built on a foundation of political trust, driven by economic and trade cooperation, and connected through cultural diplomacy, the two nations are creating a model of collaboration that delivers tangible benefits to their people and contributes to global peace and stability.

Amidst intensifying international competition, multilateral cooperation, sustainable development and innovation are positioning Việt Nam as a bridge between Brazil and Asia, promising remarkable successes in the near future, added Nghị. — VNS