Portugal and Brazil are deepening a strategic partnership centred around economic cooperation and a boost in bilateral relations. After meeting with the President of Bazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the official residence in São Bento, the Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro noted the joint reinforcement of areas such as science, technology, innovation, energy, defence, and aeronautics.

“Today we have major partnerships in aeronautics, defence industry, energy, scientific knowledge, technology, and health. That is what we wish to continue developing”, he claimed.

Integration and mobility

The Prime Minister noted the Brazilian community in Portugal’s integration as a positive example. In the last two years, more than 235 thousand Brazilian citizens without legal papers were regularised, of around 400 thousand requests analysed, with a refusal rate lower than 5%.

The migration policy framework has been guided “with the aim of valuing people, their dignity” Luís Montenegro stated, underlining the humanist scale of the Portuguese response.

The President of Brazil also noted the community’s contribution, mentioning the Brazilian citizens in Portugal’s capacity to work and adapt.

Economic cooperation and the EU-Mercosul agreement

Deepening economic relations was at the core of the meeting. Luís Montenegro stated that Portugal will be Brazil’s partner in its projection in the European economy as part of the agreement between the European Union and Mercosul, the South American trading bloc that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Provisionally set to enter into force on 1 May, the agreement will boost Brazil’s presence in the European economy with Portugal taking on a facilitating role in the process.

The Prime Minister added that Portugal will be a driver to deepen relations, fostering the presence of Portuguese companies in Brazil and developing joint projects.

On the Brazilian side, Lula da Silva indicated the ambition of boosting investment and economic cooperation with Portugal following a logic of a more integrated partnership between both countries.

Global relations and multilateralism

Luís Montenegro noted how Portugal and Brazil converge in terms of upholding the peace, stability, and multilateralism, stressing the “intense exchange of information and opinions” between both countries on the main international affairs.

The Prime Minister indicated cooperation under the United Nations and thanked Brazil’s support for its candidacy to the Security Council for 2027-2028.

Strengthening the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and enhancing the Portuguese language naturally arose as common priorities.

Strategic relationship

The Prime Minister underlined that the relationship between Portugal and Brazil holds a solid historical base that is cast to the future. Under this framework, he noted the enhancement of bilateral relations as a strategic priority.

The connection between both countries is also a relevant factor to foster greater diversification between political and trade spaces, contributing to a “world order with more balance, peace, and social justice”.