Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo will welcome Brazil Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Friday, Aug. 23, to explore opportunities to advance bilateral relations and to sign agreements on technical cooperation and education.
Brazil Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (Photo from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil)
In a statement, the DFA said that Vieira visit will make a pivotal moment in the two countries’ bilateral relations as this will be the first-ever visit by a Brazilian foreign minister to the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations nearly 80 years ago.
“Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, will receive Minister Vieira and his delegation for a bilateral meeting, during which they will engage in discussions that will assess the current state of relations and consider opportunities to advance the relationship,” the statement read.
“Secretary Manalo and Minister Vieira are expected to exchange views on a range of issues including trade and investments, technical cooperation, as well as cooperation in agriculture, defense, education, and in the multilateral arena,” it added.
The two officials are also expected to sign agreements on technical cooperation, cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and education.
The Philippines and Brazil have intensified official engagements through high-level exchanges, the latest of which was the 6th Bilateral Consultation Meeting in 2023.
According to the DFA, Vieira’s visit “signifies the great importance both countries attach to the bilateral relationship.”
Official diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Brazil were established in July 1946.