Combating climate change a priority, preoccupation for both Singapore and Brazil: Vivian Balakrishnan
Trade between both nations has grown exponentially, particularly over the past decade, and Singapore buys more meat from Brazil than any other country.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Ambassador Mauro Vieira on Apr 17, 2023. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore)
SINGAPORE: Combating climate change is a "priority" and "preoccupation" for both Singapore and Brazil, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Monday (Apr 17).
Speaking at a joint press conference with counterpart Mauro Vieira before wrapping up a three-day visit to Brazil on Tuesday, Dr Balakrishnan said that both countries agreed to strengthen climate cooperation, especially in the development of "fair, inclusive and well-functioning global carbon markets".
Both ministers pledged at the meeting to work together on climate change by accelerating the implementation of the commitments made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the Paris Agreement.
They agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation on green finance and decarbonisation, and initiate discussions on areas like best practices relating to carbon markets, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
This also includes national regulatory frameworks, and policies governing the management and development of greenhouse gas mitigation activities.
Both Singapore and Brazil intend to work towards entering into a bilateral cooperation framework under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement by or around COP28 - the UN climate change summit will take place in Dubai from November to December 2023 - with a view to negotiating an Implementation Agreement.
Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, countries "will be able to transfer carbon credits earned from the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions to help one or more countries meet climate targets".
Dr Balakrishnan and Mr Vieira also recognised and agreed on the importance of ensuring that the energy transition and mitigation of emissions in the energy sector at domestic and global levels occur in a "fair and equitable" manner, said MFA.
"The ministers agreed to promote bilateral dialogue on these topics, as well as research and development, investments in renewable energy resources, and the decarbonisation of the transport sector, such as through the use of cleaner energy and low-carbon fuels, including sustainable biofuels."
On Brazil's bid to host COP30 in Belem in 2025, Dr Balakrishnan expressed Singapore's support.
"I am certain that Brazil will have the capacity, the experience, the commitment and the moral authority to bring us to a successful COP-30," he said.
Dr Balakrishnan also met Brazil's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva on Tuesday.
They exchanged views on how both countries have taken "bold and proactive steps" toward achieving their climate targets, while capturing new opportunities in the climate transition, MFA said.
Dr Balakrishnan called on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Itamaraty Palace, where they reaffirmed the "strong friendship" between Singapore and Brazil.
"They also discussed regional and international issues and agreed that it was important for Singapore and Brazil to work together to enhance regional and international cooperation, peace and stability," MFA added.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade and investment was also on the agenda.
The foreign ministers of both countries welcomed the rapid growth in trade and investments between Singapore and Brazil in recent years, with Dr Balakrishnan adding that the relationship between both countries has "grown exponentially".
"Singapore’s relationship with Brazil is dynamic and forward-looking, based on a very strong foundation of trust, mutual respect and goodwill. We are looking forward to the opportunities of the future," he said.
BRAZIL A KEY FOOD SOURCE MARKET FOR SINGAPORE
Brazil is Singapore's largest trading partner in Latin America and it is likewise in Southeast Asia, according to MFA.
Dr Balakrishnan also noted that trade between both countries has grown exponentially, particularly over the past decade, and in 2022, bilateral trade in goods grew more than 70 per cent year-on-year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both ministers acknowledged Singapore's investments in the development of Brazil's infrastructure and logistics, and its role as a hub for Brazilian businesses in Southeast Asia.
"As a land-scarce city-state, Singapore relies heavily on food imports from Brazil for a wide range of our protein needs. In fact, Brazil is a key source market for us, so this is a matter of survival," said Dr Balakrishnan.
"I have to also acknowledge that Singapore is a tiny island city-state. In terms of geographical size, we are just half the size of the city of Sao Paulo. We look to Brazil as a partner of choice for deepening our cooperation across Latin America."
Singapore buys more meat from Brazil than any other country. For example, Singapore imported 214,400 tonnes of chicken in 2021 and about 48 per cent of those chickens were from Brazil. Brazil was also Singapore's top supplier of pork and beef in 2021.
During his visit, Dr Balakrishnan delivered a lecture for diplomats-in-training and members of the diplomatic corps at Rio Branco Institute, the Brazilian diplomatic academy.
MFA said he outlined the principles of Singapore's foreign policy, highlighted the importance of international law and multilateralism for small states, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the Global South.
Dr Balakrishnan leaves Brazil on Wednesday.
