"I believe our ties are now ripe for expansion into other areas of cooperation, " said the Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Joao Tabajara De Oliveira Júnior. 

In an extensive interview with Albanian Daily News, the Ambassador touched upon many issues revealing even about the perspective of Albanian-Brazilian relationship, the increasingly complex relationship since the end of the Cold War between Brazil and the US, the tense situation in the Western Balkans and according to him he strongly believed that the best path to be pursued in order to Serbia and Kosovo reach a permanent solution of the conflict lies in fostering profound constructive dialogue and ensuring the unwavering commitment of all parties involved.

Speaking about BRICS - where Brazil is a member – Ambassador said it is often misunderstood and subjected to distorted narratives, adding that it first and foremost operates without a specific ideology, transcending traditional divisions of East, West, North, or South. "Rather than being an economic bloc in the conventional sense, BRICS functions as an international mechanism designed to unite the world’s leading emerging economies in addressing the vulnerabilities and challenges of the current global economic system," said the Brazilian Ambassador in the following interview:

- First of all, thank you Mr. Ambassador for this exclusive interview in the first month of 2025, and we wish you and your embassy further successes. There are almost 15 years that Brazil has opened its embassy in Tirana. How would you assess the relations between the two countries?

- Although Brazil and Albania established diplomatic relations in 1961, it was not until 2009, with the installation of resident embassies in each other’s capitals, that our bilateral ties truly began to flourish. Over the past 15 years, this period has been crucial for deepening mutual understanding of each country’s realities and potentials. Additionally, these years have fostered closer political and diplomatic relations, both bilaterally and within the multilateral international system. For instance, the excellent coordination of our delegations during the United Nations Security Council sessions in 2023 and 2024 exemplifies this strengthened partnership.

Given this context, I believe our ties are now ripe for expansion into other areas of cooperation. The conclusions from the Albanian Ambassadors Conference of 2024 emphasized the need for Albania to broaden its foreign policy focus beyond the European Union, Western Balkans, and NATO priorities. In light of this, Brazil could serve as an important partner for Albania in Latin America, especially in fields such as international security, the fight against organized crime, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, and sports.

-Please could you share with us some achievements and shortcomings in the bilateral relations in different fields in the bilateral relations?

- In my first glance of Albania, as I took over the embassy in July 2022, I recognized that my primary goal should be to showcase the diverse layers of Brazilian reality—from cultural aspects to socioeconomic structures—to the Albanian people. This initiative aimed to identify existing opportunities and mutual interests that could benefit both societies.

As a result, Brazil participated for the first time in the “International Cultural Weeks” organized by the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation. This culminated in June 2024 with the inaugural "Brazilian Carnaval" in Vlora, which successfully attracted an audience of over 10,000 to 14,000 people along “Lungo Mare”. The Cultural Week also featured the launch of Albanian translations of works by two prominent Brazilian authors. Additionally, the Albanian public was introduced to Brazilian classical and popular music and cinema, which serves as a vital medium for cultural and social interaction.

In parallel, the embassy engaged in dialogue with the State Police to foster collaboration between our national police forces in combating drug trafficking and other illicit activities between the two continents. To strengthen these efforts against organized crime, SPAK chief Altin Dumani led a significant delegation to Brazil, aiming to enhance cooperation with Brazilian law enforcement and state and federal prosecutors.

Furthermore, I have visited various ministers, government agencies, and mayors to identify specific areas of Albanian interest that could be explored in collaboration with Brazil.

- As a follow up which is the perspective, your ambitions to develop these relations in 2025?

- For the current year, I aim to work closely and in coordination with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of External Relations back home, and the Albanian Embassy in Brasília to establish a comprehensive bilateral agenda to be worked upon for the next years. This coordinated effort will not only strengthen our diplomatic relations but also create pathways for sustainable collaboration that benefits both nations. This agenda could initially include:

(i) Cultural Exchange Programs: Initiatives that promote mutual understanding and appreciation of our respective cultures.

(ii) Establishment of bilateral programs to exchange knowledge and expertise in agriculture and livestock management. This collaboration could focus on sustainable farming practices, livestock breeding techniques, and the use of technology in agriculture. By sharing best practices and innovations, both countries can improve food security, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable agricultural development.

(iii) Economic Cooperation: Strategies to enhance trade relations and investment opportunities between our countries.

(iv) Joint Security Efforts: Collaborative projects aimed at combating organized crime and drug trafficking.

(v) Opportunities for student and academic exchanges to foster knowledge sharing, particularly in fields such as biotechnology and medicinal herbs. Collaborating on joint university research initiatives in these areas can lead to significant advancements, as both countries have rich biodiversity and unique resources. Such partnerships would not only enhance academic knowledge but also contribute to practical solutions in health and sustainability for both nations.

(vi) Tourism Promotion: Campaigns to encourage travel between Brazil and Albania, showcasing each country’s unique attractions.

- Brazil is a big country and despite being far from the Western Balkans it is still interested in this region and individual countries. How do you assess the situation and the perspective of a resolution to the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia?

- As a Brazilian diplomat I firmly believe in the power of dialogue, consensus building and negotiations. All this, allied to a fountain pen, results in the basic tools of diplomacy. As an observer at a distance, I’m confident that there is a large margin for fruitful conversations to take place yet between both sides in order to reach a long-lasting agreement for Kosovo’s independence and the end of the conflict. Unilateral recognition, from a restricted number of countries, only leads to a limited status of Kosovo as an independent state in the world scene. Solely the United Nations’ seal of approval would give Kosovo a full status member among the nations. That’s why, in my personal and humble opinion, I strongly believe that the best path to be pursued in order to Serbia and Kosovo reach a permanent solution of the conflict lies in fostering profound constructive dialogue and ensuring the unwavering commitment of all parties involved.

- As Latin America’s largest economy, Mr. Ambassador, could you shed some light on the perspective of the economic exchanges but even the political relations with US as Trump took the presidential seat at the White House?

-Brazil and the United States have experienced an evolving and increasingly complex relationship since the end of the Cold War. The US was the first nation to recognize Brazil's independence in 1824, and since then, Washington has consistently shown a special interest in Brazil, going beyond the scope of the Monroe Doctrine. This enduring partnership is rooted in shared principles and values, both domestically and internationally. Brazil proved to be a solid and strategic ally of the US during World Wars I and II, as well as throughout the Cold War in the Southern Hemisphere.

Economically, the trade relationship between Brazil and the United States is mutually beneficial for companies, workers, and consumers in both nations. In 2024, Brazilian exports to the US reached a record high of $40.33 billion, while US exports to Brazil totaled $40.58 billion. According to recent analyses by AMCHAM, 48% of US exports to Brazil are tariff-free, and only about 15% of imported products from the US face tariffs that do not exceed 2%. This high level of complementarity and the intra-firm nature of bilateral trade illustrate the interdependence of both economies, with the United States serving as a competitive supplier for the Brazilian production sector and Brazil equally vital for American companies.

As noted, trade between Brazil and the United States is generally balanced, with a slight advantage for the US. Given the nature of these commercial exchanges, it is evident that the unilateral imposition of tariffs could severely harm both economies. If tariffs are enacted, they may lead to increased costs for consumers and companies in both countries, reduced market access for exporters, and ultimately disrupt the beneficial trade relationship that has developed over the years. Furthermore, such measures could displace bilateral trade to other markets in other continents, undermining the economic ties that have been cultivated. So in my opinion, it’s surprising that such balanced and fair trade relations should be target of sanctions, through a 25% tariff imposition on Brazilian steel and aluminum. Anyway, Brazilian government said “no to a trade war with the U.S and will not retaliate.”! Quoting a high official of the Brazilian government: "What President Lula has always said, very clearly: trade wars are not good for anyone. One of the important advances the world has made in recent years has been precisely creating an instrument for dialogue between countries, strengthening free trade, and defining the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in this regard”.

- Boasting the world’s greatest biodiversity, abundant water resources, favorable terrain and climate, the country is further supported by its institutional framework, an organized civil society, and a private sector eager to develop this new economy. It is estimated that approximately $528 million has been invested in restoration in Brazil in the last 18 months from across financial, conservation, and commodity industries. Do other countries of Latin America and international organizations share the same concern and do they cooperate with your country?

- Although Brazil was graduated as a developing country long ago by institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF, it no longer benefits from advantageous trade, finance, and development aid packages. Nevertheless, Brazil continues to receive international cooperation from countries like Germany in the Amazon region (forests, biodiversity…), and Japan, particularly in areas such as disaster management and community policing (Koban). However, throughout the 1970s, over one fourth of Brazilian imports consisted of food products. During this time, Minister of Agriculture Alysson Paolinelli spearheaded an agricultural revolution in Brazil. JICA played a crucial role in this transformation by assisting Brazil with programs that doubled the country’s arable area, adding 24 million hectares to agricultural production, significantly enhancing the country's capacity to meet food demands internally and externally. Today, the country produces enough food for an estimated 1.6 billion people, that is, a surplus of 1.4 billion, since the population of Brazil sums 200 million. The agroindustry in Brazil uses sustainably less than 7% of its total territory for crops and 12% of natural pastures for livestock.

On the other hand, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) is actively engaged in South-South Cooperation (SSC) across Latin America, Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Middle East, and the Pacific. ABC has successfully completed in recent years approximately 3,000 projects in at least 108 countries, involving over 120 Brazilian institutions—both public and private—that are recognized for their technical excellence and expertise. These institutions collaborate with their international counterparts to share critical technical knowledge in key areas such as agriculture, food security, health, medicine, environmental sustainability, and human rights, among others. Interestingly, ABC has undergone unprecedented South-North cooperation with Spain and Portugal through its mother’s milk program. In recent years, this collaboration led to the establishment of the Iberic-Afro-Latin American Human Milk Bank, which has dramatically reduced newborn mortality rates across these regions. This initiative not only highlights the importance of human milk banks but also underscores the potential for innovative partnerships in improving public health.

Another important characteristic of Brazilian Cooperation is its inclusivity; it does not discriminate against or exclude traditional partner countries. Brazil actively involves these nations in numerous successful SSC trilateral projects implemented in collaboration with agencies such as GIZ, USAID, JICA, and AICS across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Additionally, ABC also develops trilateral projects with international organizations, including UNDP, UNESCO, FAO, OPAS and UNICEF, among others.

- On January 1, Brazil assumed the rotating presidency of the BRICS, a bloc initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which unites some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Today, BRICS has expanded to include 22 countries, comprising full members and partner nations. Could you please shed some light on the platform (opportunities and challenges) to be followed by Brazil at a time of uncertainties about the bloc’s future role in the current fluid global order?

- Initially it’s important to stress out that BRICS is often misunderstood and subjected to distorted narratives. First and foremost, it operates without a specific ideology, transcending traditional divisions of East, West, North, or South. Rather than being an economic bloc in the conventional sense, BRICS functions as an international mechanism designed to unite the world’s leading emerging economies in addressing the vulnerabilities and challenges of the current global economic system.

This informal association of emerging countries seeks improved access to a more democratic and transparent financial structure to confront developmental challenges. Amid a profound economic crisis in 2009, Brazil, Russia, India, and China convened to take proactive steps in creating a new financial framework. This initiative aimed to serve as an alternative source for funding development projects in emerging economies.

BRICS also actively seeks solutions to various obstacles hindering development, one of which is the challenge of hard currency reserves and system of payments. Many developing countries face significant difficulties related to their currency reserves, which directly impacts their balance of payments and ability to manage imports effectively. By promoting cooperation among member nations and advocating for the establishment of financial mechanisms, BRICS aims to alleviate these issues, thereby enhancing economic stability and growth in member states.

In this context, the motto of the Brazilian BRICS presidency this year is: “Strengthening cooperation in the ‘Global South’ for more inclusive and sustainable governance”. Among its priorities, we could name the following:

1. Facilitating trade and investment: Promoting economic integration through the development of efficient payment systems

2. Regulating artificial intelligence: promoting inclusive and responsible AI governance for development purposes

3. Tackling climate change: improving financing mechanisms to support global efforts in coordination with the COP30 climate summit (also taking place in Brazil in November)

4. Cooperation in the field of public health: strengthening cooperation projects between member countries with a focus on improving public health systems and

5. Institutional development: strengthening the internal framework of BRICS to ensure effective governance and decision-making.

During the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas, held in Brasilia last February 25 and 26, the proposals put forth by the Brazilian Presidency received unanimous support from member countries. The Sherpas are responsible for leading the discussions until the leaders' meeting at the BRICS Summit, scheduled for July 6 and 7, in Rio de Janeiro. These proposals included initiatives to create a partnership aimed at eradicating socially determined diseases and neglected tropical diseases. Additionally, the group endorsed the establishment of a unified position on financing climate change actions to be presented at COP30. Such initiatives are vital in addressing pressing health and environmental challenges faced by member nations.

-Trump, earlier before being sworn as the 47th President of the US, had threatened BRICS countries over the imposition of 100 per cent tariffs on all imports from those countries, should they dare to launch their currency. Please what could you tell ADN readers on this?

- As mentioned previously, the BRICS association does not aim to target or oppose any particular country or group of countries. Rather, BRICS initiatives are designed to assist developing and vulnerable nations in addressing the challenges of financing development. By creating a more inclusive and less currency-dependent payment system, BRICS also aims to facilitate trade exchanges within the group and promote a more equitable global trade environment. There is no consensus yet among all members whether should the associated countries establish or not a new common currency.

In my personal opinion, I don’t see why the pursuit of a better path for the welfare of the majority of countries (over 150 countries out of 198, making 85%+ of world population) should be “chastised” with tariffs or other types of sanctions, especially when the main world powers are not interested in guiding the international community - as it did before in historic times - through the deep challenges facing the current global order since the end of the Cold War. In addition, since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, little effort has been done to establish a more stable, secure, and prosperous world order. Instead, over the last four decades, we have witnessed the group of wealthiest nations engaged in never ending wars of choice, often in pursuit of power supremacy or geopolitical goals. These conflicts have not only diverted humongous amount of resources and useless losses of lives, but have also undermined global stability and hindered efforts to address pressing international issues.

- To conclude how do you assess the relations with the other countries of Latin America, especially at a time of threats of global economic crisis?

- Brazil has been putting significant political and diplomatic efforts in its relations with South and Latin American countries since the establishment of its foreign policy principles and structure over one hundred years ago. The region is the first and foremost area of priority for our diplomatic action.  It’s done bilaterally through political mechanisms and, simultaneously, within multilateral regional and global arrangements that we are members of, like MERCOSUL, ALADI, OAS and the UN multiple fora.

However, the region is still impacted by the economic consequences of COVID and wars in Europe and Middle East, leading some countries in the bloc to seek solutions to their internal problems in different political directions. Anyway, diplomatic efforts are been done within the framework of regional organizations, such as MERCOSUL, in order to find common paths in order to overcome the challenges posed by the present political and economic situation.