Brazil’s Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo advocated deeper cooperation ties with the US, arguing it could bring opportunities to Brazil in several fields, including economy and trade. The statement was made on March 27th, during a public hearing with the Commission for Foreign Relations at the lower house.
Araújo criticized previous administrations in their relations with the US and highlighted the support shown by President Donald Trump to Brazilians in their country’s efforts to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
“The relations with the US may be the most neglected partnership in recent years in Brazil, as it was often thought that the US would make for poor ties in several fields. Our goal is to make up for the lost time,” he said.
Joining the OECD, the chancellor said, would represent a quality seal on 
Brazilian goods and make commercial and economic negotiations in Brazil easier. The first stride towards forging solid ties with the US will take place in the coming days, as a US technical mission is to come to the country to inspect Brazilian meat.
Safeguards
The chancellor reiterated the importance of the Agreement on Technological Safeguards, signed by the governments of Brazil and the US during President Jair Bolsonaro’s visit to Washington. The pact outlines the commercial use of the Alcântara launch base, in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, and is yet to be ratified by the Brazilian Congress before it is brought into force.
The satellite market circulates some $200 billion a year, Araújo pointed out. “It’s a deal that does not harm Brazilian sovereignty in the least.”
Agribusiness and China
During the hearing, the foreign minister mentioned that Brazil’s agenda with China will be bolstered from May to June, when a bilateral commission is slated to gather, with members from both countries, in a bid to negotiate common interests.
Araújo went on to say there have been major concerns with border states, like Roraima and Acre, over how to bring about the necessary conditions to boost trade. He also talked about recent negotiations for the construction of roads and bridges in these regions.