HAMAD AL-KAABI, MOHAMMAD GHAZAL (BRASÍLIA)
Relations between the UAE and Brazil are at an all-time high, driven by a solid partnership that promises to further thrive in the years ahead, according to Rodrigo Pacheco, President of Brazil's Federal Senate and National Congress.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad at the Brazilian Senate headquarters in Brasília, Pacheco described the UAE-Brazil relationship - now celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties - as "real and indissoluble."
"This year marks a significant milestone in the ongoing cooperation, characterised by deepening economic ties and a commitment to parliamentary diplomacy," Pacheco said.
The blossoming relationship between the two countries is underpinned by numerous collaborations, agreements, and high-level state visits.
One of the most significant ones, according to Pacheco, was in April 2023 when President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, who was on an official visit to the UAE.
These high-level interactions, the Senate President noted, culminated in Brazil's participation in the COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai, showcasing both nations' commitment to addressing global challenges together.
Currently, the relationship between Brazil and the UAE is at its peak, both politically and economically, Pacheco added, referring to an announcement made in October 2019 when the two countries agreed on advancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.
"In 2019, this relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in the areas of security, energy, tourism, culture, and sports," he said.
The increasingly close relationship between Brazil and the UAE has resulted in positive effects in the economic sphere, with UAE sovereign wealth funds investing an estimated $20 billion in Brazil, driving growth across various sectors.
Trade between the two nations has also surged, with the total value of exports and imports rising from $2.7 billion in 2019 to $4.3 billion in 2023 - a remarkable 60% increase in just five years.
"The rise in the volume of resources circulating between the countries stimulates job creation through business, boosting the two countries' respective economies and generating wealth for our peoples," the Senate President added.
Pacheco expressed profound respect and admiration for the UAE, emphasising the historical connections that unite the two countries.
"I want to highlight my respect and admiration for the UAE and for our historical ties between the nations. I feel very much honoured to have taken on the important responsibility of presiding over the Brazil-United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Group this year, a position of which I am very proud," he said.
The Senate president said that the relations between Brazil and the UAE are witnessing a strengthened momentum.
Just last year, the Federal Senate approved two landmark agreements: one aimed at facilitating investments and another focused on mutual cooperation and assistance in customs matters. In 2022, the Senate also enacted a decree formalising an agreement for the exchange of information, Pacheco added.
He highlighted the Brazil-United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Group as an important platform for building parliamentary diplomacy. He described it as a privileged forum that strengthens legislative ties and develops laws to support and enhance bilateral relations and highlighted the group's efforts to align policies and build closer cooperation between the legislative bodies of both nations.
Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil sent three parliamentary missions to the UAE, with the UAE's Federal National Council reciprocating through visits to Brazil, reflecting both sides' commitment to mutual engagement. These exchanges have yielded tangible results, exemplified by the approval of key agreements by the Brazilian Parliament and the evolution of trade and investments between both countries.
Cooperation between Brazil and the UAE continues to deepen, the Senate President said, adding that BRICS recognises the UAE as its strategic partner and has invited it to join the group as a full member.
As the two countries look ahead, Pacheco described their ties as "real and indissoluble," grounded in shared objectives and a shared vision for a future that combines prosperity and sustainability.
The collaboration between Brazil and the UAE reaches beyond economic partnerships, embracing cultural and social initiatives that foster a sense of mutual respect and solidarity between their peoples.
With the prospect of continued cooperation, both nations are poised to build on their achievements over the next 50 years.
"This is what we intend to maintain over the next 50 years. It is a traditional relationship characterised by bonds of friendship between our nations, collaboration between our governments, and brotherhood among our peoples. Undoubtedly, the efforts of the parliaments of both countries will be fundamental in consolidating and formalising our intentions to jointly contribute to the development of our nations," the Senate President said.