Brazil–Saudi Arabia relations explained

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Mission1:Brazilian embassy, Riyadh
Mission2:Saudi Arabian embassy, Brasilia

Brazil–Saudi Arabia relations are the bilateral relations between Brazil and Saudi Arabia. Brazil has an embassy in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Brasilia.

History

In May 2009, President of Brazil Lula made the first visit of a Brazilian president to Saudi Arabia.[1] [2] During the visit, Brazil and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to expand cooperation in oil, mining, infrastructure, and science, and to increase bilateral trade.[1] Brazil president Lula said trade between the two countries had increased 450% in the prior six years.[1] The two countries had annual trade worth $5.5 billion.[1]

In 2022, commerce between the two countries was $8.2 billion. Brazil primarily purchased hydrocarbons and fertilizers ($5.3 billion), while Saudi Arabia primarily purchased halal protein ($2.9 billion).[3]

In August 2023, Lula said that he supported Saudi Arabia being accepted into BRICS.[4]

In November 2023, Lula met in Riyadh with the prime minister and crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.[5] [6] [7] They discussed strengthening bilateral relations, and investments in both countries.[6] [7] Salman said that a more robust strategic partnership between the two countries would benefit both sides.[6] The $10 billion that the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia pledged to invest in Brazil was one topic of conversation.[6] [7] Lula mentioned Brazil's rapprochement with Arab countries.[6] Salman also discussed Saudi Arabia's entry into BRICS in January 2024.[6] Lula invited Salman to visit Brazil in 2024.[6] [8] [7]

In February 2024, Saudi Ambassador to Brazil Faisal Ghulam participated in a reception held by the ambassadors of Arab countries and Islamic countries in honor of Lula, and on behalf of the ambassadors of the Arab and Islamic countries, Ghulam delivered a speech in which he reviewed the developing relations between the Arab and Islamic countries and Brazil.[9]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: First visit of a Brazilian president to Saudi Arabia. MercoPress. May 18, 2009.
  2. Web site: Brazilian president in Saudi Arabia. May 17, 2009. DAWN.
  3. Web site: Brazil president's Saudi visit shows desire for stronger ties. November 30, 2023. Arab News PK. Eduardo Campos Lima.
  4. Web site: Brazil president supports accession of Saudi Arabia, UAE to BRICS . Middle East Monitor. August 3, 2023.
  5. Web site: Saudi Arabia and Brazil detail areas of joint cooperation. 30 November 2023. Lama Alhamawi. Arab News.
  6. Web site: Lula, MBS Want To Boost Bilateral Trade To USD 20 Bn. Ricardo Stuckert. MENAFN. 1 December 2023.
  7. Web site: Brazil-Saudi Arabia: Lula meets bin Salman, focus on investments in renewable energy. Redazione Agenzia. Nova. 28 November 2023.
  8. Web site: Lula highlights Brazilian investment in green energy. 29 November 2023. Agência Brasil.
  9. Web site: Arab and Islamic ambassadors' reception honors Brazilian President Lula. 10 February 2024. Arab News.