Asean Committee in Brasilia Calls on the Secretary General for External Relations

 

The ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB) paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Marcos Bezerra Abbott Galvão, Secretary General of Brazil’s Ministry of External Relations at the Itamaraty Palace on October 10.

Ambassador Rahimi Harun of Malaysia, current Chair of the ACB, explained that the objective of the ACB is to raise the awareness in Brazil about ASEAN. Secretary General Galvão replied that both Brazil and ASEAN are aware of their economic relevance in the world but are still exploring opportunities to deepen and enhance their existing relations. He recognized the necessity of having more of Asia within their radar, especially the ASEAN.

Philippine Ambassador Jose D.R. Burgos spoke about the Philippine economy as one of the fastest growing in the region in recent years and how Brazil remains to be its top trading partner in South America. The Ambassador also informed the Secretary General about the establishment of the Brazil-Philippines Business Cooperation Forum and the entry of Eurofarma, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Brazil and Latin America, in the Philippine market.

With regard to the South China Sea – West Philippine Sea issue, the Ambassador talked about the tribunal ruling and its impact particularly in the world economy inasmuch as the area is a conduit for US$5 trillion of trade annually. The Philippines remains a proponent of the rule of law and committed to achieving peace and development in the region.

Secretary General Galvão thanked the Ambassador for bringing up the issue. He said that Brazil has a long tradition of peaceful settlement. According to the Secretary General, Brazil believes that all disputes can be settled by international law and peaceful means. He assured the ACB that Brazil is open for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

 

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph Date accessed: 18 October 2016