In a bid to strengthen ties with its Portuguese-speaking partners, Brazil's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, met his counterpart from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ilza Amado Vaz, in Brasília yesterday. The meeting, which took place on March 21, 2025, marked an important milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.
The conversation centered around regional cooperation, with a focus on multilateral forums such as the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), currently chaired by São Tomé and Príncipe. The two ministers also discussed participation in the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic (ZOPACAS) and addressed pressing global issues like hunger, poverty, climate change, and environmental protection.
One notable outcome of the meeting was the signing of a complementary adjustment related to the "Access to Justice in São Tomé and Príncipe" Project. The agreement underscores Brazil's commitment to supporting its partner nation in addressing socio-economic challenges.
Trade between Brazil and São Tomé and Príncipe has seen significant growth, with exports from Brazil reaching USD 4.6 million in 2024 alone – a 24.3% increase from the previous year. Bilateral trade has been driven largely by Brazilian exports, highlighting the potential for continued economic cooperation between the two nations.
As São Tomé and Príncipe marks its 50th anniversary of independence, Brazil's position on regional diplomacy becomes increasingly important. The country's commitment to fostering strong ties with like-minded nations will likely play a significant role in shaping the international landscape in the coming years.
The successful meeting serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between Brazil and São Tomé and Príncipe, demonstrating a shared dedication to advancing regional cooperation and addressing pressing global challenges.