The Embassy of Brazil in Manila hosted a vibrant celebration of Brazil’s 203rd Independence Day on Sept. 7, 2025 at Uma Nota, a Japanese-Brazilian gourmet space that symbolizes the fusion of cultures and the enduring ties between Brazil and the Philippines. The event honored not only Brazil’s political emancipation but also the growing partnership between the two nations.

His Excellency Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura, ambassador of the Embassy of Brazil in the Philippines, welcomed distinguished guests including Undersecretary Leo Herrera-Lim of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio, alongside officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Brazil. The ambassador also paid tribute to the more than two million Brazilians of Japanese descent, saying, “To all of them, dó(u)mo arigatou gozaimásu!”

Brazil–Philippines relations continue to flourish, with bilateral trade nearing $2.5 billion. The Philippines is now the second-largest global destination for Brazilian meats, while Brazil supplies food, raw materials, and defense products, including aircraft, to the country. Filipino exports of high-value electronics and microelectronics to Brazil are also on the rise, and investments from the Philippines in Brazil have surpassed $1 billion.

“We seek much more than a thriving trade relationship,” the ambassador emphasized. “We envision a future built on shared knowledge, cultural exchange, and mutual respect — where our peoples grow together, not just economically, but in spirit and solidarity.”

The embassy is actively fostering academic and cultural collaborations, partnering with universities and local institutions to promote music, dance, and cinema, deepening mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges.

In a rapidly changing global landscape, Brazil and the Philippines remain united in their commitment to multilateral diplomacy. The ambassador underscored the dangers of unilateralism and reaffirmed Brazil’s dedication to inclusive global cooperation.

Brazil’s recent hosting of the G20, BRICS Summit, and the upcoming COP-30 in Belém reflects its leadership in climate action. The ambassador expressed Brazil’s eagerness to work closely with the Philippines on environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Brazil’s engagement with ASEAN continues to deepen. ASEAN is now Brazil’s fifth-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export destination. Under President Lula’s leadership, Brazil is prioritizing institutional ties and high-level exchanges with the region.

The ambassador welcomed ASEAN’s participation at COP-30 and announced the upcoming Brazil–ASEAN Sustainability Dialogues in 2026, to be held under the Philippines’ ASEAN presidency. Brazil also reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste’s accession as ASEAN’s 11th member, calling it “our youngest brother.”

To meet the demands of this evolving partnership, the embassy has expanded its infrastructure, establishing an Agricultural Attaché Office, a Scientific, Technological and Innovation Section, and a non-resident Defense Attaché.

Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura closed with heartfelt gratitude to the embassy team and a message to Brazilian nationals in the Philippines: “Temos imenso orgulho de tê-los como nacionais que projetam uma bela imagem de nosso País e do nosso Povo. Vocês fazem a diferença! Salamat. Muito obrigado. Thank you very much.”