Foreign Policy Overview
The Ministry of Foreign Relations - Itamaraty, as
it is known – is responsible for advising the
President of the Republic of Brazil on the formulation
and execution of the Brazilian foreign policy.
Nowadays, the Brazilian diplomacy has been involved
in the discussion of important topics on the international
agenda, from the protection of human rights and the
environment to disarmament and non-proliferation.
The principles governing Brazil’s international
relations were enshrined in the 1988 Constitution,
article 4: national independence, prevalence of human
rights, self-determination of the peoples, non-intervention,
equality among the states, defence of peace, peaceful
settlement of conflicts, repudiation of terrorism
and racism, cooperation among peoples for the progress
of mankind, and granting of political asylum. In addition,
the Federative Republic of Brazil shall seek the economic,
political, social and cultural integration of the
peoples of Latin America, viewing the formation of
a Latin American community of nations.
Brazil’s foreign policy is aimed at supporting
the attainment of national objectives such as development,
political stability and social justice, helping the
sustained growth of the Brazilian economy, supporting
abroad economic and commercial measures taken internally
to consolidate the Real currency programme, and opening
Brazil’s access to markets, investments and technology
flows. Brazil has been engaged in the consolidation
of Mercosul, maintains frequent bilateral dialogues
with its major partners all over the world, is a member
of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries,
and supports international organisations and multilateral
institutions committed to promote better world conditions
for rich and poor countries alike. The Brazilian Government
appreciates and supports the efforts of the United
Nations for the strengthening of peace, development
and justice, towards the establishment of an international
order that leads to the realization of the aspirations
and values shared by all of humanity. In the South
American context in particular, Brazil has been able
to develop solid friendships that are an essential
factor for the tranquillity in the region and in the
community of nations. Fostering regional integration,
Mercosul seeks to strengthen the historical ties that
Brazil has maintained both within and outside of the
Americas, thus contributing more significantly to
the development of the world trade system.
The Ministry of Foreign Relations has been improving
both its organizational structure and its diplomatic
activities, as well as services provided by areas
such as trade promotion, consular duties and the assistance
of nationals overseas, and the diffusion of the Brazilian
language and culture. The Ministry is supported by
a structure that includes its headquarters in Brasilia
(the Itamaraty Palace), regional offices of representation
in several Brazilian States, and a worldwide network
of posts, including Embassies, Missions attached to
international organizations, Consulates and Vice-Consulates.
