PHILIPPINE EMBASSY CELEBRATES THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND BRAZIL
Brasilia, 11 August 2026 – The Philippine Embassy commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Brazil with a reception, with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and the Brazilian Foreign Ministry’s Secretary for Asia and the Pacific, Ambassador Susan Kleebank, as Guests of Honor.
Ambassador Patrick John U. Hilado welcomed officials of the Brazilian government, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the private sector, and Filipino community leaders. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hilado highlighted eight decades of enduring partnership that strengthened cooperation in agriculture, energy, trade, and defense, as well as shared advocacies on climate action, sustainable development, and multilateral governance. He emphasized the “high priority the Philippines accords to its relationship with Brazil,” as reflected in the visit of Secretary Lazaro to Brazil.
In her toast remarks, Secretary Lazaro commended the “dynamic, multifaceted partnership” between the Philippines and Brazil since 1946 and recognized the vast opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in food and energy security, trade, agriculture, defense, innovation, and climate resilience. She also noted the bilateral agreements signed during her meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on 11 August 2026, covering cooperation in energy, tourism, sports, and science, technology, and digital transformation.
Ambassador Kleebank, emphasizing that the Philippines represents “the longest-standing diplomatic relationship maintained by Brazil with any country in Southeast Asia,” reflected on the shared cultural diversity of both nations, “blending rich traditions, historical legacies, distinctive cuisines, and multiple linguistic influences, while preserving the openness, warmth, and optimism that characterize our peoples.”
Secretary Lazaro and Ambassador Kleebank led the ceremonial toast to eighty years of enduring Philippine-Brazilian friendship and to many more years of partnership and shared success.
To conclude the program, Filipino international tenor Mr. Gerard Macapagal, who resides in Brazil, serenaded guests with his rendition of the Filipino song “Ikaw” and the Brazilian song “Amigos Para Sempre”.
Guests also received a “sinamay” bag filled with Philippine dried mangoes, polvoron, and Love The Philippines passport holder.
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