At their meeting in Solothurn, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, and the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, welcomed the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Brazil and Switzerland. The two countries hold regular political consultations at state secretary level, as well as regular dialogues on the economy, science and human rights.

In Solothurn, the two foreign ministers discussed their countries' thriving mutual trade, as well as their close collaboration in the areas of sustainability, science, research and innovation. In the run-up to COP 30 in Belém in 2025, Switzerland is stepping up its support for various regional Amazon protection funds.

Multilateral cooperation and global geopolitics

Relations between Switzerland and the EU and the regional situation in Latin America were also discussed, as were the latest developments in the free trade agreement negotiations between EFTA and Mercosur. Having reached an agreement in principle in 2019, both parties anticipate that the accord will be signed promptly.

Mr Cassis also congratulated Brazil on its presidency of the G20 in 2024, and assured it of his support in the various working groups to which Switzerland has been invited. This exchange also provided an opportunity to take stock of their activities on the Security Council in 2023. In this regard, the two foreign ministers shared their views on reforming the multilateral system and making it more effective.

Switzerland and Brazil share the desire to promote global peace, both in Ukraine and in the Middle East, through dialogue and mediation. In this context, the two ministers discussed the Summit on Peace in Ukraine that Switzerland will be organising in June.

Brazilian minister with Swiss roots

Mr Vieira and Mr Cassis also touched on the Brazilian minister's Swiss origins. Mr Vieira's ancestors once lived in the canton of Solothurn (Erschwil) before emigrating to Brazil in the early 19th century. The two counterparts also briefly discussed the history of the emigration of many Swiss nationals to Brazil.

Ignazio Cassis meets Brazilian foreign minister