Japan and Brazil Hold First Strategic Dialogue, Seek to Deepen Ties

The Japan-Brazil Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was held in Tokyo on May 18 between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Both countries are working to strengthen their relationship under the 'Strategic and Global Partnership Action Plan Japan-Brazil (2025-2030),' reflecting untapped potential. Trade remains narrowly concentrated, with Japan's share of Brazil's foreign trade declining to 2 percent. Brazil, moving toward free trade after signing an FTA with the EU, sees an opportunity to diversify partners, while Japan seeks to expand trade and secure resources. Progress was made on entering EPA negotiations and economic security cooperation. The article notes that while China is Brazil's largest trading partner, Brazil pursues a multipolar order and avoids over-reliance on any single country, declining to join China's Belt and Road Initiative. Japan and Brazil share diplomatic objectives like UN Security Council reform and values such as democracy and human rights. The dialogue is seen as a meaningful step, but realizing the relationship's potential requires sustained investment in people-to-people ties and business engagement.