On 28 September President Dilma Rousseff held talks in Brasília with David Cameron during the British prime minister’s two-day visit to Brazil. The two leaders declared their commitment to sustaining a strong and open partnership between the UK and Brazil and discussed strategic issues both with regard to the bilateral relationship and the broader international agenda. See below the Brazil-UK joint communiqué.

Joint Communiqué on the occasion of the meeting between the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron - Brasilia, 28th September 2012

On 28th September 2012 the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, welcomed the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, on his first visit to Brazil. During their official talks, the two Heads of Government committed to sustaining a strong and open partnership between the UK and Brazil and discussed strategic issues in the bilateral relationship and on the broader international agenda.

OLYMPIC COOPERATION

Following the recent conclusion of the London Olympics and Paralympics, and looking forward to Rio’s hosting of the Games in 2016, the Heads of Government celebrated the strong partnership between their two countries on major sporting events. They agreed that these events are opportunities to enhance bilateral ties and to promote sport as a tool for peace, dialogue, cooperation, development, inclusion and tackling racial, ethnic and gender discrimination. They noted that over 160 Olympic missions have taken place between Brazil and the United Kingdom on the planning and delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and expressed their intention to ensure that preparations for Rio 2016 build upon the success and lessons of London 2012. The President and Prime Minister welcomed the signature of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries to establish a new High Level Olympic Dialogue, the first meeting of which will be held in Rio de Janeiro in November, including representatives of the public and private sectors. The Prime Minister also announced the creation of a UK High Level Olympics Advisory Board which will act as a partner to Brazil as it prepares for Rio 2016. This will further strengthen UK/Brazil bilateral links and open up commercial opportunities for both countries. The Heads of Government also recognised the important contribution Brazilian and UK businesses could make to the success of the Rio 2016 Games and welcomed the commercial success of a number of British companies which had already won contracts for the planning and delivery of the 2016 Games. The Heads of Government underlined their commitment to promoting inclusion through sport, including through a new Rugby development programme in São Paulo involving under-privileged communities, promoted by the British Council.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

The Heads of Government welcomed the trade partnership between the two countries which has gained renewed importance, and now stands out as one the key pillars of our bilateral relationship. They noted with satisfaction that between 2010 and 2011, our bilateral trade grew from US$ 7.8 billion to US$ 8.6 billion. Similarly, they welcomed the significant increase of British investments which made the UK the 4th largest investor in the Brazilian market in 2010. They noted the significant business of UK companies in Brazil, including the largest foreign investor in the Brazilian oil and gas sector. They acknowledged also the significant amount of Brazilian Direct Investment in the United Kingdom, which reached nearly US$ 1 billion in 2011. To stimulate further trade and investment in Brazil, the United Kingdom announced that it will set up a ‘launchpad’ service at the Brazilian British Centre in São Paulo to provide temporary office space for British companies during the initial phase of establishing their businesses in Brazil.

The Heads of Government re-committed their Governments to resisting protectionism in all its forms and underlined the value of an open, rules-based global system for trade. They agreed that the conclusion of a comprehensive, balanced and ambitious Bi-regional Association Agreement between the EU and Mercosul would contribute significantly to growth and prosperity in both regions.

The Heads of Government agreed to work together to remove barriers to bilateral trade and investment and provide a clear, transparent and stable regulatory environment for business. The Heads of Government underlined the importance of co-operation on taxation policy. They witnessed the signature of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA), providing for the bilateral exchange of information on tax matters and deepening cooperation between Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Receita Federal. They also reaffirmed their countries´ commitment to explore the possibility of reaching a workable and effective bilateral Double Taxation Agreement.

The Heads of Government agreed to focus on further bilateral initiatives building on the complementarity between the Brazilian and UK economies. Infrastructure and logistics investment programmes provide particular opportunities in both countries. They agreed that the UK’s expertise in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) can contribute significantly towards achieving that goal. The annual UK/Brazil High Level Economic Talks provide an important forum in which to further this discussion.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND EDUCATION

The Heads of Government emphasised the great potential for collaboration and cooperation between the UK and Brazil in the areas of science, technology, innovation and education. They recognised Brazil’s aspiration to become a global leading knowledge-based economy and world class innovator and recognised the huge potential for both the UK and Brazil to benefit from partnerships between UK and Brazilian institutions and businesses. The Heads of Government therefore welcomed the extension to the existing agreement between Research Councils UK and FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation, that will make it easier for UK and Brazilian scientists to access funding for collaboration, and new investment in joint research projects, secondments and industry placements for Brazilian scientists. They also recognised that research and development investment being made by UK companies in Brazil, including BP and BG Group´s significant collaboration with UK and Brazilian research institutions and universities, provides one strand of the innovation collaboration we intend to develop; and looked forward to the preparation of visits to identify further areas for joint work.

The Heads of Government acknowledged the great potential for joint action in innovation stemming from the Joint Declaration signed by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil and the Chief Scientific Advisor of the United Kingdom in the margins of the United Nations Conference for Sustainable Development (Rio+20), leading to the establishment of an innovation platform between the two countries. They welcomed the UK´s offer to host the inaugural meeting aimed at launching the platform, by the end of October 2012. Within the scope of the platform, emphasis will be given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across a wide range of sectors including creative industries; to dialogue between incubators and technology parks; and to broadening the appeal of science, through education and media tools.

The Heads of Government recognised the comprehensive character of innovation, ranging from adequate preparation of schoolchildren for scientific and entrepreneurial careers and skills to the creation of enabling environments for the development of new products, services and processes.

In that context, they welcomed the signing, in July 2012, of a Letter of Intent between the two Governments and the Science Museum Group, and committed to supporting the ongoing dialogue between Brazilian scientific and education authorities and the London Science Museum aimed at establishing a world class science museum in Brazil. They noted that an initial meeting would take place in early 2013 to finalise the museum concept and definition.
Noting the strong appeal of UK educational and research institutions, the Heads of Government applauded the progress of Brazil’s Science Without Borders (SWB) programme, which will see up to 10,000 Brazilian students undertaking academic study and industrial placements in the UK over the next four years. They welcomed: the agreement on additional English language training in the UK for these Brazilian students; the arrival this month in the UK of the first major group of Brazilian students under this Programme; and progress towards a new partnership in vocational education. They agreed that the UK was well placed to meet Brazil’s growing need for high quality English Language training, and welcomed negotiations between the British Council and the Brazilian Ministry of Education to support English language and exam preparation in support of Science Without Borders applicants in ten leading Brazilian universities. They agreed measures to improve English language skills for Science Without Borders students and school teachers. They also welcomed the increased allocation of Chevening scholarships to support postgraduate education for Brazil’s future leaders, which puts Brazil in the top three countries worldwide for receipt of these prestigious awards.

The Heads of Government shared their support for the United Nations´ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The Brazilian President informed her British counterpart on actions undertaken to protect lives and reduce road accidents in Brazil, including the development of a wide-ranging awareness-raising campaign together with the Féderation Internationale de l´Automobile (FIA). The Prime Minister set out British actions to reduce road deaths and serious injuries, through empowering all tiers of Government to make informed decisions about road safety, improving driver education, and taking tough measures against the minority who deliberately choose to drive dangerously.

CULTURE AND TOURISM

The Heads of Government welcomed the signature of a bilateral Film Co-production Treaty strengthening collaboration in film and supporting growth in the creative industries. They agreed that film is a powerful medium which shapes global perceptions of our countries, and noted that production companies in both countries see the potential for films which appeal to an international audience in an increasingly competitive international marketplace. The Treaty will support exports and inward investment to Brazil and the UK.

The UK Government announced the beginning of the UKBrasil season, showcasing the Best of Britain through a series of consistently branded, dynamic and engaging projects designed to showcase British business, culture, tourism, science and innovation in Brazil, and build new and lasting partnerships between the two countries in the fields of culture, science and commerce. The season includes Transform, an unprecedented four year programme of cultural activity which will further strengthen cultural links between the UK and Brazil in the period leading up to Rio hosting the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.

FOREIGN POLICY

The Heads of Government agreed to take forward a UK-Brazil Strategic Dialogue on Foreign Policy, with annual meetings between the Foreign Ministers of both countries, which would discuss key topics in the global political agenda and in the bilateral relationship. In support of this dialogue, the two governments committed to an exchange programme for diplomats to promote a dialogue of trust on the full range of issues for future generations, and agreed to explore further cooperation based on the two countries’ shared values in the areas of democracy, human rights, tolerance, culture and freedom of expression.

MULTILATERALISM AND INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

The Heads of Government agreed to continue their dialogue on the international peace and security agenda. They emphasized their firm commitment to the promotion of multilateralism and to the United Nations, which both see as an organisation of utmost importance for the promotion of international peace and security.

They stressed the urgent need to reform the United Nations system, including the UN Security Council, to make it more representative and effective. In this context, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil thanked the Prime Minister for the continued support of the British Government for Brazil as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council.

Heads of Government recognised the rich experiences of both countries in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and agreed to share experiences and best practice in this area, including joint visits to share learning. They also agreed to work towards a deeper understanding of the root causes of conflict.

The Heads of Government strongly condemned the use of sexual violence in armed conflict and, consistently with pertinent UNSC resolutions, agreed to consider joint efforts to prevent and combat such heinous crime.

DEFENCE

The Heads of Government agreed to deepen cooperation across a range of defence issues, with a view to strengthening their good working relationship and mutual trust. Acknowledging the synergies between Brazilian and UK naval programmes, they welcomed signature of a Memorandum of Understanding on maritime systems to facilitate cooperation between Government, Navy and industry.

NON-PROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT

The Heads of Government renewed their States´ commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and implementation of the 2010 NPT Review Conference Action Plan. They noted the positive start to the review cycle at the 2012 NPT Preparatory Committee and the need for nuclear and non-nuclear weapon states to work together in order to promote nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the right of all the States Parties to the NPT to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this context, they agreed to seek opportunities for joint work on ways to achieve a world without nuclear weapons. They underlined the importance of the 2012 Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and All Other Weapons of Mass Destruction as an element of the 2015 NPT review cycle and urged the countries of the region to engage constructively with each other to help take this endeavour forward.

The Heads of Government shared their support for the recent Resolution on Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors and reiterated the need for Iran's cooperation with the IAEA to resolve outstanding issues. They expressed their support to the continuation of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1, based on the NPT and the principles of a step-by-step approach and reciprocity.

They reiterated their support for the reconvening, during the current UNGA session, of the United Nations conference aimed at adopting a consensus-based Arms Trade Treaty.

DEVELOPMENT

The Heads of Government underlined their commitment to eradicating global poverty and welcomed their countries’ deepening partnership on global development. They welcomed the outcome document of the Rio+20 Conference – “The Future We Want” - as a platform for strengthening multilateralism and renewing the global commitment to sustainable development. They agreed to work jointly, through regular high-level dialogue and leadership roles in the UNSG High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda and the UNGA process on Sustainable Development Goals.

Building on the UK’s and Brazil’s joint hosting of the August 2012 Hunger Summit in London, the Heads of Government agreed to deepen their joint work as global advocates for combating hunger and under-nutrition. The President agreed that Brazil would host a follow-up event around the time of the 2016 Rio Olympics to take stock of global progress on this issue, and engage in the global Scaling Up Nutrition initiative, consistent with the work in the World Committee of Food Security, at the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). Both Heads of Government welcomed the early achievements of UK-Brazil partnership work with Africa, including the project "Purchase from Africans in Africa" (PAA). They announced 20 new projects awarded through the UK-supported Africa-Brazil Agricultural Innovation Marketplace process, new UK-supported agricultural technology units to adapt Brazilian innovations in Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania, and plans to expand joint UK-Brazil work in Africa on food security from five to 15 countries.

GLOBAL ECONOMY

The Heads of Government agreed that in the current context of the world economy, policies to deliver sustainable economic growth are our priority and the interconnectivity of the two countries’ economies, with one another and globally, makes promoting growth a shared priority. Transparent and open societies, governments and businesses, along with delivery of the multilateral trade and development agenda, form the basis for enhanced competitiveness, market opportunities and growth. The ongoing global economic crisis underlines the importance of co-operation. The annual UK/Brazil High Level Economic Talks provide an important structure through which to continue to develop this co-operation.

ENERGY

The Heads of Government agreed that the world faces a challenge in guaranteeing that everyone had access to secure, sustainable and affordable energy. Access to energy is vital for global prosperity, sustainable development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

They underlined their shared commitment to open, transparent and secure global energy markets, including for oil, gas and bioenergy. They agreed to work together, through an enhanced UK-Brazil High-Level Energy Dialogue and in appropriate international energy fora, including the G20, to improve energy efficiency, and to continue the deployment of renewable and low carbon energy technologies, including sustainable bioenergy, in support of global economic growth, sustainable development, poverty eradication and of tackling climate change.

The Heads of Government welcomed the depth of commercial ties between the two countries, in particular in oil, gas and bioenergy. They looked forward to the next meeting of the Dialogue at official level in London later this year and to reviewing progress at their next meeting.

TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

Recognising that transnational crime in all its forms, including drugs trafficking, negatively affects public safety, social and economic development and the general welfare of society, the Heads of Government agreed on the importance of closer bilateral and regional security co-operation, including the exchange of experiences and best practices, especially ahead of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics.

CYBERSPACE

The Heads of Government committed to working together to realise their shared vision both of a safe, open and innovative internet and of the technological, economic, social and educational benefits of cyberspace. They committed to work to promote and protect the fundamental freedoms, privacy and rights of citizens in a safe, innovative and open online environment, and to nurture and accelerate the progress that these technologies have enabled in our economies and societies. Such cooperation should include: working together in relevant global multilateral fora on Internet Governance; sharing experiences from the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and from the London Olympics to support the development of a comprehensive cyber security response for the FIFA World Cup 2014 and Rio Olympic Games 2016; exchanging strategies and programmes to increase cyber learning, education and technological innovation; and encouraging private sector partners to share knowledge and expertise. Heads of Government also agreed to tackle cyber crime together, both multilaterally, by supporting the outcomes of the XII United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Salvador, Brazil, in 2010; and bilaterally, by promoting joint working between the two countries´ private sectors and their law enforcement agencies, including closer engagement with international child protection fora; cooperating to protect against and counter cyber threats, through discussions between our respective agencies to identify areas for future collaboration; and advancing our mutual understanding and efforts on internet-related issues in the context of discussions at the annual strategic dialogue between the Foreign Ministers of the UK and Brazil.

Source: Ministry of External Relations