The Philippines and Brazil are looking to expand relations across multiple sectors such as trade and investment and agriculture, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as the two countries formalized cooperation on various areas on Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva discussed the potential expansion, including on defense, science and technology and education, during the former’s courtesy call on Aug. 12 at the Palacio da Alvorada in Brasília, Brazil.

“The courtesy call marks a significant milestone in Philippines-Brazil relations, highlighting both governments’ dedication to building deeper political, economic, and people-to-people bridges. Both sides expressed optimism regarding future partnerships that will mutually benefit the peoples of the Philippines and Brazil,” the DFA said.

In a separate meeting with Lazaro, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira announced that Brazil will extend technical assistance to strengthen the sugarcane industry in the Philippines.

No further details were provided, but the DFA said the aid will focus on capacity-building for local farmers and agronomists.

Lazaro, on the same day, signed new bilateral memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Brazil, formalizing cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, sports and science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

She also underscored Manila’s shared commitment with Brazil to strengthen South-South cooperation and amplify mutual interests in regional and international fora, particularly the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Brazil relations.

Lazaro’s official visit to Brasilia reciprocates Vieira’s official visit to Manila in August 2024, the first-ever by a Brazilian foreign minister.

It coincides with the Philippines and Brazil’s celebration of the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations this year, having established relations on July 4, 1946.

The Filipino top diplomat, for her part, said the milestone diplomatic relations anniversary gives the two countries “an opportunity to take stock of the progress of Philippines-Brazil relations, address the challenges that lie ahead, and envision a future in which our strengthened partnership delivers tangible benefits for our two peoples.” (PNA)