Dancers from the Beijing Dance Academy perform “Chinese Ethnic Dances” as part of the Chinese Cultural Season in Brazil marking the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic relations on Aug. 14, 2024, in Brasilia, Brazil. (Xinhua/Lucio Tavora)
Parliamentarians from various Brazilian political forces celebrated, on Thursday, during a solemn session in the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies, the Chinese Immigration Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, which began on August 15, 1974.
The session was held by the Brazilian-Chinese Parliamentary Front led by Representative Fausto Benato and Senator Nelsinho Trade, and attended by Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Zhou Qingqiao, federal government authorities, diplomatic representatives and members of the Chinese community in the South American country.
In his speech, Zhou stressed that it is clear, looking back over the past 50 years, that China-Brazil relations have stood the test of time, and important experiences have been accumulated, which constitute a common treasure for both countries.
“Brazil stands out as one of the first countries in Latin America to establish a parliamentary exchange mechanism with China. The Sino-Brazilian friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of our two peoples. The cooperation between our two countries has received broad support from all sectors of the world society and all political parties.”
Zhou stressed the two countries’ determination to seek mutual benefit and common development.
“In keeping with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, we are committed to strengthening global climate governance and energy transition. China actively supports the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative led by Brazil,” he said.
“The relationship between China and Brazil, by going beyond the bilateral sphere, exerts increasingly significant strategic and comprehensive influence,” he added.
In addition, the Chinese Ambassador highlighted the good momentum of bilateral relations.
“China-Brazil relations are at their best historical moment today, full of vitality and dynamism, just like the magnificent Yangtze and Amazon rivers, which are flowing vigorously in their continuous progress,” he said.
“We are very excited to join forces with friends from all sectors of Brazilian society, following the direction set by our leaders, to push China-Brazil relations to new levels and keep them at the forefront of our times,” he concluded.
Brazilian MP Fausto Benato, a promoter of Chinese Immigration Day in the South American country, commented that Brazil, for the Asian country, is an important platform for accessing markets in the region, and is a vital supplier of natural resources such as soybeans and iron ore, among others.
Benato also praised the importance of China as Brazil’s main trading partner.
“Today, China stands as one of the world’s largest economies, driven by its important role in global trade, innovation and technology,” Benato said, adding that “Brazil can learn from China’s experience, especially in understanding the importance of new trade agreements and the need to invest in infrastructure, education, innovation and technology, areas that are crucial to Brazil’s growth and competitiveness on the global stage.”
In the same vein, Brazilian Minister of Science and Technology Luciana Santos agreed that China is a powerhouse in technology and innovation.
“Brazil is the country that produces the most knowledge in the world, according to the main classifications of scientific publications,” Santos noted, stressing that the Brazilian government is interested in deepening cooperation with China in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, supercomputing and semiconductors.
He pointed out that innovation cooperation between China and Brazil has a long history, highlighting the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) project, the largest such cooperation program between developing countries. However, the minister admitted that technological cooperation is still below its potential.
“We are committed to continuing cooperation and research in this field, with the aim of advancing our countries and improving the well-being of our people. We must strengthen and balance trade relations to ensure multilateral exchange of products. Advances in the technological field are essential to this effort,” he said.
Brazilian Ambassador to China Marcos Galvão stressed that the political diversity of countries, with their own political systems and institutions, did not prevent them from finding convergent interests and common aspirations capable of strengthening bilateral partnership.
“We are two countries, our main goal is economic and social development and improving the quality of life of our people. China knows that it can rely on Brazil to provide food and other important products. Brazil knows that it can rely on Brazil. China is a predictable strategic partner in trade, investment and cooperation,” he said.
The official session concluded with the presentation of a coin and a postage stamp to commemorate half a century of bilateral relations.
(Web Editor: Zhao Jian, 周雨)
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