Mexico and Brazil decided to deepen their partnership in trade, energy and multilateral relations at a time of rising tensions with the United States over tariffs and diplomatic relations.
The decision was made at the 6th Mexico-Brazil Binational Commission meeting in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco met with his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira, and later also met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
During the meeting, Lula da Silva invited Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to Brazil. Sheinbaum and Lula da Silva have strengthened relations between the two countries through regular high-level contacts in recent months.
Plans for trade and energy partnership
The two governments agreed to expand joint work in strategic areas including trade, energy, science, technology and innovation. They also decided to increase coordination between Mexico and Brazil on international platforms.
At the center of the energy agenda was the development of cooperation between Mexico’s state-owned oil company Pemex and Brazil’s Petrobras. The two companies plan to work more closely in various areas, including hydrocarbons exploration and biofuels.
Support for Bachelet’s candidacy reaffirmed
The talks also addressed the candidacy of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet for the position of United Nations secretary-general. Mexico and Brazil reaffirmed their support for Bachelet’s candidacy.
Tensions with Washington
A few days before the meeting, Brazil rejected visa applications submitted by two representatives affiliated with the U.S. State Department for a planned visit to meet with electoral authorities. The Brazilian government accused the representatives of trying to undermine confidence in the country’s electoral system.
The diplomatic dispute became part of a trade conflict that deepened after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on Brazilian goods this summer. A 50 percent tariff was also imposed on Brazilian products last year.
Mexico is seeking to diversify its international partnerships while maintaining its economic ties with Washington. Mexico and Brazil, the two largest economies in Latin America, have increased joint initiatives in trade, energy, investment and regional integration in recent years.
In June, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, international law and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Sheinbaum and Lula da Silva instructed their foreign ministries to prepare for the 6th Binational Commission meeting.
