Brazil, Slovakia sign strategic agreements, expand partnership

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin welcomed to Brasília the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico. Bilateral agreements were signed um the areas of defense, security, and intelligence information sharing, as well as a memorandum of understanding between Brazil’s Rio Branco Institute and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and a protocol that alters the Brazil-Czechoslovakia Convention, from August 26, 1986, which aims to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion over taxes and income.

The agreements we signed will bring new opportunities in areas such as cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, and the fight against transnational crimes. We have also signed a protocol to update our agreement to avoid double taxation." 

Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of the Republic of Brazil

» Full version of signed agreements [in Portuguese]

"Today, Brazil and Slovakia have expanded our partnership. The agreements we signed will bring new opportunities in areas such as cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, and the fight against transnational crimes. We have also signed a protocol to update our agreement to avoid double taxation. In addition to stopping fiscal evasion, this instrument will offer increased security and predictability for bilateral trade and reciprocal investments," Alckmin highlighted.

MERCOSUR — According to Alckmin, cooperation is the most effective guarantee against instability and fragmentation of the international order. The Brazilian Vice President mentioned the conclusion of negotiations between Mercosur and the European Union, which counted on Slovak support. This partnership is the largest trade agreement ever concluded by Mercosur. The two blocs represent around 718 million people and economies that, combined, add up to approximately USD 22 trillion."It represents much more than an economic and trade agreement. It symbolizes the rapprochement of two regions capable of influencing global governance and reinforces the commitment of both to multilateral trade regimes and environmental protection," said the Brazilian Minister.

BILATERAL — Prime Minister Robert Fico emphasized the importance of bilateral relations with Brazil and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s global leadership role. "I am truly delighted that we have an idea to enhance our bilateral economic cooperation. We closely monitor all initiatives and commend you for the successful G20 presidency, particularly regarding the adoption of the significant document addressing the fight against hunger and poverty. It is, therefore, a great honor for us to be one of the founding members of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty," declared the Prime Minister, wishing President Lula a speedy recovery.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES — Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Slovakia began in 1993 when Czechoslovakia was dissolved. The Brazilian Embassy in Bratislava was inaugurated in 2008 – until then, bilateral relations were cumulatively followed by the Brazilian Embassy in Vienna (Austria). Slovakia has been a part of the Visegrad Group since 1991, the European Union since 2004, NATO since 2004, the Schengen Space since 2007, and the Euro Zone since 2009.

EXCHANGE — Between January and October 2024, the two countries exchanged USD 432 million. Brazilian exports reached USD 26.7 million and imports USD 405.3 million. The Brazilian import agenda is based on passenger motor vehicles, machinery and electrical machinery and appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and their parts. Brazil mainly exports to Slovakia leather, pumps, centrifuges, air compressors, fans and exhausters, tin, and flat-rolled and iron products. "We hope to continue to strengthen the ties between Brazil and Slovakia to the benefit of a world of peace and prosperity. "This was a very productive year for Brazilian foreign policy. If in 2023 Brazil returned to the world, in 2024, the world came to Brazil," stated Alckmin.