Visit from Brazil delegation explores stronger cooperation
AVISIT from the Brazil delegation aims to strengthen the development cooperation in areas of climate change, agriculture, sugar industry and renewable energy.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala welcomed the delegation which was led by the Secretary for Asia and the Pacific of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Ambassador Eduardo Saboia, and included the non-resident Ambassador of Brazil to Fiji, Fred Arruda and Second Secretary of the Embassy of Brazil in Canberra, Mariana Marton.
The meeting looked at cooperation opportunities in the lead up to Brazil’s Presidency of the G20 Leaders convening in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024 and with Brazil hosting the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in November 2025.
Mr Korovavala welcomed the new cooperation opportunity extended by Brazil for Fiji to join the Taskforce on G20 and COP30.
This means, Fiji will have the opportunity to represent the Pacific nations at both global forums that are aimed at addressing pressing global issues and strengthening international cooperation.
He thanked Brazil for its commitment to advance cooperation and support for Fiji’s economic development priorities.
The meeting looked at potential partnership in the agricultural sector. With Brazil, as the largest producer of sugar and the second-largest producer of ethanol, there are enormous opportunities for cooperation in the development of Fiji’s Sugar Industry and renewable energy.
Mr Korovavala mentioned that to lift the peoples’ standard of living the focus on development and poverty alleviation was key.
There are important lessons from Brazil’s agro-based economy and renewable energy which were very relevant for Fiji.
As part of the elevated cooperation, Brazil will deploy Technical Missions to assist Fiji’s agricultural and economic based industries while exploring cooperation in education, health, sports, and people to people links.
Ambassador Saboia said their visit demonstrates Brazil’s commitment to strengthen diplomatic relations with Fiji.
He said as Brazil prepares to host two important global meetings; they want to ensure that the voice of the Pacific region was fairly represented through Fiji.
Ambassador Saboia commended Fiji’s commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Pacific region, saying that Brazil aims to deepen engagements with Fiji given its strong leadership on key issues such as climate change and the Ocean of Peace.
He said the deliberations undertaken in Fiji were meant to see how best Brazil can tailor cooperation to meet Fiji’s needs and priorities.