Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shake hands before their talks. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The joint statement affirmed that since the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2007, Vietnam-Brazil relations have progressed in all fields of politics, economics, culture, local cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. On the basis of shared achievements and awareness of shared interests of a strategic vision for bilateral ties, the two sides agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The two leaders directed their foreign ministers to negotiate the components of the Strategic Partnership for finalization as soon as possible.

In the joint statement, Vietnam and Brazil agreed to continue to strengthen high-level official contacts in all channels, as well as expand local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges; reached consensus on strengthening coordination and mutual support, and commitments to peace and sustainable development. Vietnam supports Brazil's desire to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council in case the organization is reformed.

Economically, both countries committed to raising bilateral trade turnover to 10 billion USD next year and to 15 billion USD by 2030. Vietnam proposed a start of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). President Lula da Silva agreed to continue discussions with other members of the MERCOSUR on the issue.

Vietnam and Brazil reaffirmed each country's respect for international law, especially the United Nations Charter, and supported the settlement of disputes in international relations on the basis of international law, including compliance with and good will implementation of the provisions of international law on seas and oceans, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). They stressed continued cooperation in responding to climate change and boosting Brazilian relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).