Brasilia, 16 June 2023 (TDI): Reem Al Hashimy, the International Cooperation Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, visited Brasília, and emphasized the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship between the UAE and Brazil.

The visit included participation in the Economic Meeting between Brazil-UAE. The UAE minister discussed the opportunities this Latin American country(Brazil) presents. Furthermore, Minister Al Hashimy conveyed her optimism for a fruitful collaboration at the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

Strategic Partnership and Trade Relations

Minister Al Hashimy highlighted the strategic nature of the 50-year-old diplomatic and trade ties between Brazil and the UAE. She also emphasized UAE’s commitment to strengthening these relations with a particular focus on exploring the opportunities Brazil offers. In addition, she expressed hope for the Mercosur-UAE free trade agreement to further deepen bilateral trade relations.

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The importance of continued multilateral cooperation, particularly with the Mercosur bloc, consisting of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, was underscored.

Expectations for COP28 and COP30

UAE Minister commended Brazil’s climate policy and positioned the country as a leading force in climate action. Brazil is expected to play a leading role in both  COP28 in Dubai, as well as the future COP30 in Belém, Brazil. She also emphasized Brazil’s credibility in supporting climate action. Brazil has a long history of supporting climate action.

The country has been a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. Brazil’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tech sector have made innovative contributions. These contributions are seen as key to the success of COP28.

UAE minister, Reem Al Hashimy addressing the economic meeting
UAE minister, Reem Al Hashimy, addressed the economic meeting.
Joint Actions and Climate Priorities

Additionally, Minister Al Hashimy proposed joint actions between the UAE and Brazil in climate funding, nature-based solutions, and energy transition, with an emphasis on fairness. She concluded her address with a focus on the South-South partnership. She said, “It’ll be genuine South-South cooperation.

These are the current priorities of COP28. Together with governments, the private sector will lead us there, and that depends on you, on your innovation, your pragmatism and practicality, and your purpose-oriented business, as companies now don’t think just on profit but on purpose”. 

Statements from Key Figures

Osmar Chohfi, the President of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), highlighted the growth in trade relations. He also expressed anticipation for the benefits that COP28 would bring. He stated that “This event will certainly bring huge benefits for the global environmental policies, therefore opening doors for new areas of collaboration, research and investment,”

Saleh Ahmad Salem Alzaraim Alsuwaidi, the UAE’s Ambassador to Brasília, confirmed the growth of the important alliance between the UAE and Brazil. He extended an invitation to the Brazilian community. Moreover, he encouraged them to discover and take advantage of the opportunities available in the UAE. “I invite the Brazilian community to enjoy what the UAE has to offer,” he said.

Inclusive and Innovative COP28

Majid Al Suwaidi, COP28 Director-General, highlighted the need for an inclusive and innovative conference involving all stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, youth, NGOs, civil society, and Indigenous peoples. The UAE cited successful public-private partnerships as essential for achieving climate change mitigation, carbon emission reduction, and other goals.

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