Joint Brazil-Israel Declaration – Jerusalem, March 7, 2021

In response to an invitation by the State of Israel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr. Ernesto Araújo, is on an official visit to the State of Israel from 7 to 9 March.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Mr. Gabi Ashkenazi, received Minister Araújo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two Ministers held a very friendly and productive conversation. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral relations and fruitful dialogue. They stressed the need for continued progress in cooperation and partnership in various areas of mutual interest.

Ministers Ashkenazi and Araújo exchanged views on the pressing issues on the international agenda and agreed to continue coordination between Brazil and Israel. They discussed recent developments in the International Criminal Court (ICC), Human Rights Council (HRC) and other fora. The Ministers also examined paths for recovery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspectives of public health, technological advance and socio-economic resilience.

Reaffirming the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation, the Ministers issue the following Joint Declaration:

Israel recalls with appreciation the key role played by Brazil at the United Nations General Assembly Session that approved Resolution 181, in 1947, under the presidency of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Oswaldo Aranha, resulting in the establishment of the State of Israel in the ancient homeland of the Jewish people, on May 14, 1948.

The two Ministers affirmed that the partnership between Brazil and Israel is based upon our shared values of freedom, democracy, market economy, justice and peace, and our determination to achieve prosperity for our peoples. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the principle of freedom of worship and fighting antisemitism.

Ministers Ashkenazi and Araújo reiterated the mutual interest of Brazil and Israel in enhancing their dialogue and raising their alliance to a strategic level, emphasizing their commitment to address the multiple challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministers discussed the "Abraham Accords" and their contribution to the stability and prosperity of the Middle East and other regions. Minister Ashkenazi thanked Minister Araújo for Brazil's support for the accords and noted that these agreements present an opportunity for other countries to join the circle of peace.

Minister Ashkenazi thanked Minister Araújo for Brazil's renewed support of Israel's positions. Minister Ashkenazi expressed Israel's deep appreciation for Brazil's principled and consistent position that opening of an ICC investigation is a disservice to the cause of justice, which will undermine the prospect of a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Ministers agreed to enhance their coordination in multilateral fora, including the HRC.

The Ministers shared concerns about the threats comprised by terrorism, especially state sponsored terrorism in the Middle East and transnational crime in their respective regions. They discussed the risks of nuclear proliferation and elaborated on the threat of missiles proliferation to non state actors.

The Ministers will support engagements and foster partnerships between research institutes in Israel and Brazil, in the public and private sectors, for the development of vaccines, treatments and medicines for COVID-19. Minister Araújo expressed Brazil's strong interest in cooperation with Israeli medical and scientific institutes. Minister Ashkenazi emphasized that Israel is always ready to cooperate with its close friend Brazil and combine efforts to cope with the challenges of the pandemic.

The Ministers agreed to further developing bilateral cooperation in areas such as health, technology, innovation, education, defense security, agriculture, science and space research, among others.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Araújo meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tomorrow. Together with his delegation, Minister Araújo will also hold meetings with Israeli medical and aerospace research institutions.

Signed in the city of Jerusalem, on Monday 7th of March 2021.