Norway and Brazil sign agreement on political consultations

“The agreement will make the ties between us even closer and ensure regular contact on matters of importance to both countries,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

Today Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota signed an agreement on annual political consultations on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. The agreement was signed in Brasilia during Mr Støre’s visit to Brazil, where he is presenting the Norwegian Government’s new strategy for cooperation with Brazil together with Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.  

“Our bilateral relations with Brazil have developed on a scale that is virtually unmatched by any other country. Our cooperation dates way back, but has picked up momentum in recent years. Our talks in Brasilia have confirmed that this development is most welcome,” said Mr Støre. 

Brazil is now the world’s seventh largest economy and is experiencing rapid growth and development. Norway is the seventh largest foreign investor in Brazil, and the Government Pension Fund Global has a diversified investment portfolio in the country. Trade between Norway and Brazil has increased by almost 200% over the past decade. Statoil and Hydro are heavily engaged in the oil, gas and aluminium industries, and the Norwegian maritime sector has a strong presence in Brazil as well. Norway’s cooperation with Brazil under the Norwegian Climate and Forest Initiative has also attracted considerable attention. 

“Brazil is making its mark as a leading global actor in the UN, the WTO, the G20, regional forums and a broad range of political contexts, for example through its membership of the UN Security Council. We share the aim of deepening our political cooperation by means of regular consultations and joint engagement in areas such as human rights, peace and reconciliation, climate change and environment, and health and foreign policy,” said Mr Støre. 

In connection with the visit, a seminar on peace and reconciliation efforts was held for Norwegian and Brazilian experts and diplomats, with a particular focus on the conflicts in the Middle East and the situation in Haiti. 

“Brazil has proved to be an effective problem solver with the ability to promote dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution in many different contexts. We have now agreed to deepen our cooperation in this area,” said the Foreign Minister. 

Mr Støre also met with Minister of Mines and Energy Edison Labao. On Thursday 31 March he will travel to Rio de Janeiro, where his programme will include meeting the Norwegian community and presenting the Norwegian Government’s new Brazil strategy.