Brazil–France relations

Brazil and France enjoy a close bilateral relationship based on values shared by the two countries: promotion of democratic principles and human rights, strengthening of international law and multilateralism, promotion of the development and respect of social justice, preservation of peace and security, commitment to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to disarmament, protection of the environment and cultural diversity.

France has recognized Brazil as its special partner in South America and as a global player in international affairs. The two countries’ are committed to strengthening their bilateral cooperation in the areas for which working groups have been created: nuclear energy, renewable energies, defence technologies, technological innovation, joint cooperation in African countries and space technologies, medicines and the environment. [cite web |url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/brazil_444/france-and-brazil_2515/political-relations_2631.html |title=France and Brazil - Political relations |publisher= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France |accessdate=2008-02-18]

Recently, France announced its support to the Brazilian bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. [cite web |url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/brazil_444/france-and-brazil_2515/political-relations_2631.html |title=France and Brazil - Political relations |publisher= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France |accessdate=2008-02-18]

Economic relations

Brazil is France's leading trade partner in Latin America and its fourth most important partner outside OECD. More than 500 French companies are established directly in Brazil and employ over 250,000 people. [cite web |url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200705/31/eng20070531_379599.html |title=Brazilian, French presidents hold telephone talks on strengthening alliance |publisher= People's Daily Online |accessdate=2008-02-18]

* French exports to Brazil in 2005: 2.3 billion euros
* Brazilian exports to France in 2005: 2.8 billion euros
* French direct investment to Brazil in 2005: 8 billion euros

Cultural relations

Brazil is France's leading partner in Latin America for cultural, scientific and technical cooperation. Three French secondary schools (São Paulo, Rio, Brasília) have a total of 2,150 students, 1,000 of whom are French. The "Alliances françaises" in Brazil constitute the oldest and most extensive in the world (74 establishments in 52 towns). [cite web |url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/brazil_444/france-and-brazil_2515/cultural-scientific-and-technical-cooperation_2634.html |title=France and Brazil - Cultural, scientific and technical cooperation |publisher= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France |accessdate=2008-02-18]

Cross-border cooperation

The cross-border cooperation between France and Brazil (border between the state of Amapá and French Guyana) is enjoying increased vitality. This cooperation makes it possible to better integrate French Guyana into its geographical environment, to respond to the concerns of both parties about the various cross-border risks, to encourage human exchanges and trade and to develop the economy of the Amazon region, respecting the local populations and extraordinary environment. The granting to France, on the initiative of Brazil, of observer status within the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, will strengthen this cooperation. Finally, the construction of a bridge over the Oyapock River, decided on during President Lula’s visit to France, will make the Cayenne-Macapá road link possible. This is a priority project for both countries. [cite web |url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/brazil_444/france-and-brazil_2515/other-types-of-cooperation_2636.html |title=France and Brazil - Other types of cooperation |publisher= Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France |accessdate=2008-02-18]

References

External links

* [http://www.france.org.br/ Embassy of France in Brasília] Official website
* [http://www.bresil.org/ Embassy of Brazil in Paris] Official website