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Joint media release
with Simon Crean MP, Minister for Trade
26 August 2008
Visit to Australia by H E Ambassador Celso Amorim Brazil’s Minister for External Relations
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith and the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, announced today that Brazil’s Minister for External Relations, Ambassador Celso Amorim, will visit Australia from Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 August 2008.
Both Mr Smith and Mr Crean warmly welcomed Mr Amorim’s visit, the first visit to Australia by a Brazilian Minister since the election of the Rudd Labor Government.
The Ministers said the visit will provide an opportunity for Australia to strengthen its links with Brazil, commensurate with Brazil’s growing economic and political importance on the global stage.
“I look forward to a broad-ranging discussion with Mr Amorim during his visit”, Mr Smith said. “I expect to have a very productive exchange with Mr Amorim on United Nations matters, nuclear matters, climate change and environmental issues. I also expect to brief Mr Amorim on developments in East Timor.”
Mr Crean will continue discussions with Mr Amorim on re-engaging quickly on the Doha Round of trade negotiations, following the July WTO Ministerial meeting in Geneva.
“Brazil is a key player in the Doha Round negotiations, and this presents us with an excellent opportunity to work together towards the early resumption of negotiations to achieve the best outcome we can for global trade and development” Mr Crean said.
Brazil is also an increasingly important bilateral trade partner for Australia. It is Australia’s largest trading partner in Latin America, with the total of two-way merchandise trade reaching AUD1.96 billion in 2007-08. Over 9,000 Brazilian students commenced studies at Australian educational institutions in 2007.
Mr Smith will have formal Foreign Ministerial bilateral discussions with Minister Amorim on Wednesday.
Mr Crean will meet with Minister Amorim and Mr Smith will host a dinner for Minister Amorim on Tuesday night.
Mr Amorim will also meet Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Wednesday.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555