Joint Communique on the Meeting Between the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mauro Vieira
23 August 2024, Manila, Philippines
1. The Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, welcomed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mauro Vieira and his delegation, on 23rd August 2024, in Manila. This historic visit marks the first time a Brazilian Foreign Minister has made an official visit to the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations 78 years ago. The visit reflects the growing importance and renewed vigor in the Philippines-Brazil relationship.
2. Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira acknowledged that the partnership between the Philippines and Brazil is one of the most enduring relationships between a Southeast Asian and a Latin American nation. They recalled that Brazil-Philippines relations are founded on shared values of peace, democracy, dialogue, and cooperation, and are oriented towards achieving sustainable development and prosperity for their peoples.
3. During their meeting, Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira engaged in a comprehensive dialogue addressing various issues shaping the bilateral agenda, as well as regional and global developments, including national priorities and socio-economic and developmental goals of both countries. They underscored their countries’ common interests in combatting hunger and poverty, facing the climate crisis, promoting energy transition, ensuring food and nutritional security, and cooperating in agriculture, maritime affairs, renewable energy, sustainable biofuels, defense, and science, technology and innovation, among other areas of mutual interest.
4. The authorities expressed their appreciation for the significant progress made in implementing actions agreed upon since the 6th Bilateral Consultation Meeting (BCM), which took place in June 2023 in Manila. Both parties indicated their expectation that the 7th BCM be held in Brasília in 2025, on a mutually agreeable date.
5. Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira signed the Agreement on Educational Cooperation aimed at further enhancing bilateral exchanges between academic and technical institutions, and the Philippines-Brazil Framework Agreement on Technical Cooperation. They also noted the conclusion of the negotiations on the bilateral instruments on Space Cooperation, and looked forward to conclude the MOU on Energy Cooperation at the earliest opportunity, if possible by the 7th BCM.
6. Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira welcomed the positive developments in trade and investment flows between Brazil and the Philippines and emphasized the vast potential for increasing and diversifying bilateral trade. They also underscored the importance of strengthening educational, cultural, and scientific cooperation, based on both countries' aspirations for robust academic exchange. In this context, Minister Vieira announced Brazil's initiative to support Portuguese language teaching in the Philippines.
7. Both authorities noted the importance of regional cooperation in promoting peace, prosperity, and stability in both Latin America and in Southeast Asia. Secretary Manalo welcomed the Brazilian decision to establish a dedicated mission to ASEAN in Jakarta as a demonstration of Brazil’s firm commitment to enhancing ties within the region. Recognizing the opportunities presented by the ASEAN-Brazil Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, Minister Vieira highlighted the potential for closer collaboration with the Philippines also through the ASEAN platform. The authorities agreed on the importance of providing the necessary support and cooperation to the process of Timor-Leste’s eventual membership in ASEAN, in accordance with ASEAN’s Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership.
8. Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira reiterated their countries’ adherence to international law. They discussed calls to reform global governance institutions to enhance transparency and representation particularly concerning the developing countries. They emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and mutual support in the multilateral arena, especially within the United Nations.
9. Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira expressed their support to a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council in the shape of a package consisting of the reform of its working methods, as well as the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent members, with a view to making it more representative, legitimate and effective, and to increase the representation of developing countries. In this context, Secretary Manalo reiterated the support of the Philippines to the aspiration of Brazil to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
10. Both authorities renewed their countries’ commitment to pursuing sustainable development and addressing the climate crisis. Secretary Manalo expressed the Philippines' full support for Brazil's leadership in hosting COP30 in 2025, while Minister Vieira commended the selection of the Philippines to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund. They reiterated their readiness to play a constructive role in the negotiations under the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), particularly by contributing to the global effort to limit temperature increase to the agreed target of 1.5o Celsius.
11. Minister Vieira expressed gratitude for the solidarity and heartfelt support received from the Philippines following the devastating floods in the State of Rio Grande do Sul in April and May, which resulted in significant human and material losses. He also conveyed to Secretary Manalo Brazil’s deep sympathy to the people and government of the Philippines for the losses experienced during Typhoon Carina in July, acknowledging the impact on communities and infrastructure.
12. Reaffirming their countries’ strong and vibrant bonds of friendship, the authorities hailed the entry of the Philippines and Brazil into a new chapter of their diplomatic relations. Minister Vieira expressed appreciation for the organization and hospitality extended by the government and people of the Philippines during his stay. He extended an invitation to Secretary Enrique Manalo to visit Brazil on a mutually agreeable date, further reinforcing the desire to deepen ties between the two countries. END