Brazil has formally expressed its support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and endorsed Dhaka’s aspiration to join BRICS, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Celso Amorim, chief adviser to the Brazilian President, at Palácio do Planalto in Brasilia, according to official sources.
During the talks, both sides pledged to elevate Bangladesh-Brazil relations into a multidimensional strategic partnership, emphasising stronger political engagement, expanded economic cooperation, coordinated multilateral initiatives, and solidarity among Global South nations.
Amorim conveyed President Lula’s greetings and congratulations to the leadership and people of Bangladesh, describing the country as a rising and influential voice of the Global South with an increasingly important global role.
Highlighting the 53-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations, Kabir recalled that Brazil was the first South American country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence. He added that bilateral ties have now entered a new strategic phase.
A key outcome of the meeting was Brazil’s proposal to establish a “Tête-à-Tête Strategic Forum,” an institutional platform for regular adviser-level dialogues aimed at deepening direct political communication and strategic coordination. Humayun Kabir welcomed the initiative, noting it would strengthen mutual trust, strategic understanding, and long-term policy alignment.
In a major diplomatic gesture, Amorim formally announced President Lula’s decision to support Bangladesh in the June 2 election in New York for the UNGA presidency, where Bangladesh is competing against Cyprus. He said Brazil’s endorsement reflects confidence in Bangladesh’s constructive global role, commitment to inclusive multilateralism, and leadership in promoting the Global South’s interests.
Expressing gratitude, Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh’s campaign is guided by the vision, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All,” emphasising the need for a more inclusive, effective, and justice-oriented UN.
The meeting also reviewed bilateral trade and economic relations, with both sides noting that trade has approached $4 billion, though they agreed the current level remains below potential.
Humayun Kabir highlighted the complementarity between the two economies, noting Bangladesh imports cotton, soybeans, sugar, and industrial raw materials from Brazil, while opportunities exist to expand exports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, jute products, and ceramics.
He stressed the importance of direct shipping connectivity, stronger business linkages, increased investments, and reduced dependence on intermediaries.
Discussions also touched on the upcoming Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) scheduled after Brazil’s general elections later this year, where agreements in agriculture, technology, healthcare, education, sports, investment, energy, and innovation are expected to be finalised.
On regional diplomacy, Humayun Kabir emphasised that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is guided by “equality, dignity, mutual respect, and balanced engagement,” reaffirming Dhaka’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity. He also reiterated efforts to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to promote regional cooperation and integrated development.
Regarding global geopolitics, Humayun Kabir stressed Bangladesh’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereign decision-making and national interests while maintaining strategic cooperation with China in infrastructure and connectivity and continuing historic ties with Russia in energy, nuclear technology, and multilateral diplomacy.
Amorim agreed that both Bangladesh and Brazil, as influential Global South voices, can contribute to building a just, multipolar, and inclusive international order grounded in sovereignty, equality, and morality.
Humayun Kabir also raised Bangladesh’s desire to join BRICS. Amorim assured that he would personally discuss the matter with President Lula and make every effort to support Bangladesh’s inclusion.
The meeting additionally addressed Bangladesh’s membership in the New Development Bank, with Dhaka requesting the establishment of a branch in the country to accelerate development cooperation and project implementation.
Humayun Kabir noted that 10 legal instruments have already been signed between the two nations, while 16 more agreements covering technology, agriculture, education, and innovation are ready for signing.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening strategic engagement, a move analysts described as a “strategic reset” in Bangladesh-Brazil relations amid evolving global geopolitical realities.
