Statement from the Minister of State, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, during the official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hayashi Yoshimasa, to Brazil - Brasília, January 9, 2023

Good afternoon, everyone.

First of all, I would like to salute the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hayashi Yoshimasa, and to underscore the importance of this first meeting between us, as well as the quality of the work meetings we have held.

I would like to mention that this is the first visit of a Minister of Foreign Affairs that I receive since President Lula took office.

Japan is Brazil's traditional partner in Asia, with relations of friendship and trust marked by deep human ties, by the importance of bilateral trade and investment flows, and by the interest in deepening science, technology and innovation cooperation, as portrayed by the instrument we have just signed. These are some of the topics addressed in our meeting today, in addition to others, such as: promoting sustainable energy and food security; partnership opportunities in decarbonization efforts; visa policies and greater integration of the Brazilian community in Japan.

Brazil is home to the largest population of Japanese descent outside of Japan, while Japan is home to the fifth largest community of Brazilians abroad and also the fifth largest foreign community in Japan.

During today's meeting with Minister Hayashi, I highlighted the importance we place on advancing the Brazil-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership, established in 2014.

In addition, we currently have non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council and are also partners in the G4, which aims to promote the reform of the UN Security Council.

In the economic field, direct Japanese investments in Brazil amount to nearly 23 billion dollars. I spoke with Minister Hayashi about the many opportunities offered today to increase Japanese investments in Brazil, as well as to expand our bilateral trade and Brazilian exports.

Dear Minister Hayashi, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Unfortunately, Brazilian society and the international community also expect from us, today, a word about another subject, the acts of coup mongering violence that took over the Three Powers Square yesterday.

Since yesterday, I have received expressions of support and of confidence in the solidity of Brazilian democratic institutions from authorities around the world. These words of confidence from countless friendly countries and international organizations, on phone calls from fellow Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in written messages and also on social networks – among which I include that of the Japanese Embassy in Brasilia – once again give a clear idea of ​​the importance of Brazil and its democratic institutions for the international community.

The unanimous condemnation of yesterday's acts of violence and vandalism, which will not go unpunished, now adds to the record presence of high-level delegations at President Lula's inauguration on January 1st.

I am grateful for the words of confidence from Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, which reflect the respect earned by Brazil in recent decades, and our intense and fruitful bilateral relationship.

The legacy of peace and progress of Brazilian society was upheld yesterday by the institutions and will continue to be protected, with the full support of the international community, which was unequivocal in condemning the January 8 coup mongering acts.

Today is a day that requires clarity and determination from all democrats, in defense of the democratic country that we managed to build. The Brazilian State and its institutions will know how to respond accordingly to the gravity of the crimes committed.

Keeping up the work and rebuilding bridges with the world, missions given to me by President Lula, are the best way for Itamaraty to contribute to overcoming this moment of sadness for all democrats, from Brazil and the rest of the world. Today we begin this work with the prosperous bilateral relationship with Japan.

I am very happy with the fruitful meeting we had. I hope that new high-level meetings will be held, and visits by heads of State are arranged. I reaffirm that the prospects for the bilateral relationship in the coming years are auspicious.

Thank you very much.