São Paulo – Brazil’s incumbent president Dilma Rousseff promises to continue and strengthen the country’s political and economic relations with the Arab world. Candidate Aécio Neves wants to increase trade with the region and, if elected, will support the creation of a sovereign independent Palestinian state. José Maria Eymael pledges to dispense the best possible treatment to the Arabs. Read below the candidates’ answers to ANBA’s question about their plans in regards to the ties between Brazil and the Arab world, if they are elected. All candidates were invited to share their opinions.
ANBA – Brazil started to develop closer ties with the Arab world in 2003. Since then, seven presidential visits to Arab countries have taken place and 2005 saw the establishment of the Summit of South American-Arab Countries (Aspa), a meeting which sporadically brings together heads of state and government from both regions to discuss common interest issues. Arab world leaders started coming to Brazil regularly and Brazilian exports to Arab markets soared from US$ 2.7 billion in 2003 to US$ 14 billion last year. In your opinion, how important is it for Brazil to sustain strong political and economic ties with the Arab world, and what are you planning to do in your term in regards to this issue? How will you approach Brazil’s ties with Arab countries and what actions are you planning to implement?
Aécio Neves (PSDB)*
In my term, Brazil will continue and significantly strengthen political and economic ties with the Arab world. We have lots of contacts in many countries in the region and we must explore new mutually-satisfactory exchange opportunities. We have to increase the Arab share in Brazilian foreign trade, which has grown in absolute terms, but remained virtually flat for the last twelve years in relative terms. There is much to be done, for instance, in the food sector, through joint ventures between Brazilian companies and Arab enterprises willing to invest in Brazil.
Brazil will continue to support the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State and will possibly help Gaza’s reconstruction. We will keep supporting talks that will lead to lasting peace in the region. We will resume the meetings of the Summit of South American-Arab Countries. Our government will work constructively alongside international organizations to support international community efforts, especially in the Arab world, to halt the growing violence as new terrorist groups emerge in several countries in the region.
*the question was answered by the Brazilian ambassador Rubens Barbosa, one of foreign policy advisors to Coligação Muda Brasil coalition’s presidential candidate Aécio Neves.
Dilma Rousseff (PT)*
In her second term, Rousseff wants to intensify dialogue and cooperation with Arab countries, especially as regards the areas of energy, social policies, culture and education. She intends to keep endorsing initiatives from the Summit of South American-Arab Countries. The Arab world – broad, complex and very diverse – is a necessary player in the multipolar, developed and peaceful world we want to help build.
Brazil is one of the few countries in the world that sustains diplomatic ties with all United Nations (UN) member countries. Brazilian foreign policy is universally oriented. We value Arab countries because of our strong cultural ties, given the relevant presence of Arab immigrants in Brazil, and because there is a strong development potential in trade and investment. Furthermore, it is a geopolitically strategic region that is fundamental to peace and international security matters.
Brazil traditionally resorts to negotiated solutions for conflicts. This is precisely why we condemn terrorism, a politically and morally unacceptable practice, and question military interventions that violate international law, because they fuel terrorism by undermining state structures, supplying weaponry and encouraging radicalization and sectarianism of political players. We also champion the Middle East’s becoming a mass destruction weapon-free zone.
*the question was answered by the coordination of Dilma Rousseff’s campaign committee
Eymael (PSDC)
I would say that; first, placing Brazil on route to development without ideological constraints is an essential part of my plan for Brazil’s relations with several nations in the world, as set forth in Article 4 of the Federal Constitution, a bill submitted by me and passed by the other constituents.
As regards the Arab countries, they will be treated in the best possible way, which is how all relations between the peoples must or should be, with the intention of fostering peace and common good. To this end, I plan on developing our trade and friendship ties even further.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity of addressing my Arab brothers and restating my intentions of friendship and good faith.
The other candidates did not reply to the question sent by ANBA.
*Translated by Rodrigo Mendonça
