On Sunday (7th April), visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s keen interest in joining the BRICS alliance, stating that Brasilia viewed Dhaka’s aspirations “very strongly and positively.” He emphasized the alignment of principles and positions between Bangladesh and BRICS member states, highlighting the potential for collaboration. Vieira made these remarks during a joint media briefing with his Bangladeshi counterpart after holding bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud at the state guesthouse Jamuna in the capital.
Last year, Bangladesh formally requested to join BRICS, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, established in 2009 to promote economic and political equilibrium among powerful global nations. Vieira affirmed that Bangladesh, as an emerging voice of the Global South, could make significant contributions to BRICS on various issues.
Vieira’s two-day official visit aimed to further strengthen bilateral and commercial ties between Brazil and Bangladesh. Following discussions with the Bangladesh foreign minister, Vieira highlighted efforts to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in achieving balanced trade. He welcomed Bangladesh’s interest in establishing a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), recognizing the potential for enhancing business opportunities and private sector engagements between Bangladesh, Brazil, and other MERCOSUR member states.
Both sides expressed their commitment to initiating negotiations for a MERCOSUR-Bangladesh PTA at the earliest opportunity, acknowledging its significance in promoting South-South cooperation. MERCOSUR, originally comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, welcomed Bolivia as a full member in 2023.
Following their meeting, the two foreign ministers signed a Technical Cooperation agreement between Bangladesh and Brazil, marking a milestone in bilateral relations. This visit from the Brazilian Foreign Minister represents the first-ever foreign minister-level visit from Brazil to Bangladesh.
