The preview of the government program for the presidency of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva refocuses the focus of foreign policy on relations with the major developing countries, Latin America and Africa, and does not mention any possible participation in the OECD (Organization for Cooperation and Cooperation). economic development).
The document began distribution this week, allowing partners to submit proposals. This is not the final version of a government plan and more details will be provided in the coming months. But the skeleton would already reveal some aspects of an eventual Lula government in terms of foreign policy and Brazil’s inclusion in the world.
One of the main points refers to a slogan already used in Brazilian diplomacy during Lula’s first term. “Defending our sovereignty requires rescuing the active and arrogant foreign policy that has elevated us to the status of global heroes,” the document says. “Brazil was a sovereign country respected all over the world. It also contributed to the development of poor countries through cooperation, investment and technology transfer,” he says.
The preview of the program is clear: “We will rebuild South-South international cooperation with Latin America and Africa.”
“To defend our sovereignty is to advocate for the integration of South America, Latin America and the Caribbean to ensure regional security. Mercosur is to re-strengthen UNASUR, CELAC and BRICS,” he says.
In the early moments of Bolsonaro’s government, relations with both the South American region and the BRICS were in the background. But the country’s isolation in recent months has forced Itamaraty to re-establish closer ties with the bloc of Russia, China, India and South Africa.
There is no clear reference in the guides on how the relations will be with organizations or blocs formed by rich countries such as the OECD, the G7, or the trade agreement with the EU. But the warning that there will be no “surrender”.
Sovereignty, according to the document, is “freely forming partnerships that are best for the country, without submitting to anyone.”
“To work to build a new global governance committed to multilateralism, peace, social inclusion and environmental sustainability that considers the needs and interests of developing countries, with new guidelines for foreign trade, trade integration and international partnerships.” adds.
The absence of any reference to the OECD does not mean that the government will simply ignore the party initiating an accession process for Brazil. But there are those among his team who advocate questioning the advisability of joining a bloc among developing countries that could threaten Brazil’s legitimacy.
This week, the party holds its annual meeting with the participation of ministers Paulos Guedes (Economy) and José Carlos Oliveira (Labour). Although the process took longer than Planalto Palace had imagined, participation had become one of the main goals of Jair Bolsonaro’s foreign policy.
There is still strong resistance against Brazil, mainly in European countries and based on environmental problems.
But for the Minister of Labor, these obstacles will be overcome. “I am sure they will not be able to prevent Brazil’s membership. We are stronger than that. Brazil has a lot to offer other countries,” he argued.
“Brazil will gain a lot (with membership), but the OECD will also gain a lot,” he said. When asked about the reason for this advantage for existence, he replied, “Because Brazil is a wonderful country, a brave and dreamy person.”
source: Noticias
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