INTERVIEW WITH THE BRAZILIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, AMBASSADOR ERNESTO ARAÚJO, PUBLISHED ON INDIAN NEWSPAPER THE HINDU JANUARY 25, 2020
FUNDAÇÃO ALEXANDRE DE GUSMÃO INTERVIEW WITH THE BRAZILIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, AMBASSADOR ERNESTO ARAÚJO, PUBLISHED ON INDIAN NEWSPAPER THE HINDU*
"President Bolsonaro, PM Modi share think that there is an incompatibility between views on the idea of a nation” having an efficient, liberal and productive Suhasini Haidar economy, and being a nation true to its values, an organic nation. We believe the India and Brazil are expected to sign a opposite; we believe that these things are number of agreements including a Strategic compatible. Partnership action plan and a Bilateral Investment Treaty when Brazilian President – India and Brazil have shared some Jair Bolsonaro meets with Prime Minister common foreign policy postures: on strategic Narendra Modi on Saturday. In a written autonomy, on the reform of the UNSC, a interview, Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto balance with the U.S., distance from China's Araújo, who is part of the delegation, says the BRI etc. Is it time for a common platform two countries share more than a common projecting a more ‘South-South centric’ worldview; their leaders share values on worldview? nationalism and sovereignty as well. – I would not exactly call it a “South-South centric” worldview. We believe that through a – What are your hopes and expectations more profound relationship, our countries from the visit of President Bolsonaro to India as may leverage their positions in all international the Chief Guest for Republic Day? fora, in the United Nations and the Security – Brazil considers India one of the main Council as well as in many other instances. partners in our new international strategy and An excellent relationship with the U.S. – a in our new foreign policy as a whole. Our situation India has attained as well – is crucial countries share common values. Brazil and for the international projection we aspire for India are two of the biggest democracies in Brazil. the world. There is also a convergence Previous doctrines in our foreign policy between our worldview and that of Prime envisaged an international projection for Minister Modi, that you should build a nation Brazil in opposition to the United States or true to its values and traditions, proud of itself. disregarding the role the U.S. could play in We think that this is the basis for a thriving our partnership. We have changed that economy. Many people around the world approach.
* Interview with the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ernesto Araújo, published on Indian newspaper The Hindu on January 25, 2020. Source:
We are also deepening our relations with Brasilia recognise different governments. China, a very important partner for the During the visit, would your government hope Brazilian economy, above all as a market for to convince the Indian government to our agricultural exports. Regarding the Belt withdraw support for President Maduro? and Road Initiative (BRI), we believe that the – The Brazilian government expects to great extent of valuable Chinese investments exchange views with the Indian authorities on in Brazil do not need to bind us to a each country’s regional scenario. It is not our comprehensive framework such as the BRI in intention to persuade India to address this order to maintain a fruitful relation with China. issue in one way or another. We just expect India to look at the situation with new eyes. – Both Mr. Bolsonaro and Mr. Modi have Because the population faces a despotic come under some international criticism for regime of the worst kind that has deliberately religious politics and their ‘nationalistic’ wrecked the country’s economy and views… institutions. – President Bolsonaro and Prime Minister Brazil believes there is hope to restore Modi share a close standpoint with regard to democracy in Venezuela and stop the current sovereignty and their idea of nation. Both genocide of its population, through the leaders have appraised the concept of legitimate government of President Juan nationality. I believe those common values Guaidó. create an even more fertile soil for what we can do along with India, in a way we have – You have been publicly skeptical of never accomplished before. This official visit climate science, particularly in the context of is the first step towards that aim: we have the last year’s Amazon fires. What kind of opportunity to sign an unprecedented number discussions do you hope to have on climate of agreements – not only in quantity but also change negotiations with India? in quality – in many different fields. We can – President Bolsonaro himself, other also feel the enthusiasm on both sides about Brazilian authorities and I have tried to our cooperation and particularly regarding the demonstrate that the image initially portrayed Action Plan to strengthen the Strategic by certain leaders was not accurate. One has Partnership. to bear in mind that the environmental portfolio, particularly the alleged deforestation of the – One point of divergence has been the Amazon, unfortunately conceals hidden situation in Venezuela, where New Delhi and agendas of certain governments and several
2 Interview with the Brazilian Chancellor Ernesto Araújo published on The Hindu
NGOs which are detrimental to the Brazilian global warming. They should be heard, not agribusiness, whose competitiveness and demonised. That course of action does not commitment to sustainability stand beyond mean disregarding international commitments. doubt for all to see. President Bolsonaro has vowed to keep In a democracy, we have to discuss and Brazilian multilateral participation in this scrutinize all scientific approaches to each pivotal area. Brazil, as India, is a major player issue, and there are several experts that in environmental issues. present reasonable doubts about man-made
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