1. The 9th ROK-Brazil High-Level Policy Consultation was held in Brasilia, Brazil, on November 28, with Ahn Chong-ghee, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs of the ROK Foreign Ministry, and Maria Edileuza Fontenele Reis, Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs of the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations, as heads of their respective delegations.

2. In the meeting, the two sides noted with satisfaction that the ROK and Brazil have steadily increased cooperation in a range of areas, including state affairs, economy, trade and cultural exchange, since they forged the "Comprehensive Cooperative Relationship for the Common Prosperity in the 21st Century” in November, 2004.

o Deputy Minister Ahn said that the Park Geun-hye government attaches great significance to the ROK’s relations with Brazil, which is an important partner for cooperation. Undersecretary-General Edileuza stated that Brazil is also well aware of the potential for further development of bilateral relations and hoped that the two countries will work together for that.

3. The two sides stressed that in order to expand the potential for further development of bilateral relations, active high-level exchanges between the two countries are essential. The ROK side suggested the ROK Foreign Ministry and the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations make active efforts to expand high-level exchanges. In response, the Brazilian side agreed to do so.

o The two sides also decided to work more actively together in operating the High-Level Policy Consultation and facilitate various dialogue mechanisms between the ROK and Brazil.

4. The two sides shared the view that amid the rapid increase in the number of Korean companies operating in Brazil, the expansion of bilateral trade and investment has built an important foundation for development of bilateral relations. The two sides also agreed to further increase trade and investment to benefit both countries.

o Meanwhile, the Brazilian side requested more Korean companies participate in a range of national infrastructure projects, including those in transportation and logistics, being pursued by the Brazilian government in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

o In a bid to assist companies to enter the other countries’ markets without difficulties, the two sides decided to closely cooperate to effectuate a social security agreement at the earliest possible date and create other institutional bases.

5. Furthermore, the two sides noted that the two countries have a great potential for cooperation in a wide range of areas, including education, science, technology, agricultural technology and e-government. They agreed to work together to develop various new projects in the areas.

o In particular, the Brazilian side expressed great satisfaction over the active support of Korean universities and companies for the “Science Without Borders” program, which is being implemented by the Brazilian government as a major policy to promote scientific and technological development in the country. The Brazilian side also hoped that the program will help the two countries earnestly engage in cooperation and people-to-people exchanges in science and technology. The ROK side expressed its willingness to continue its support.

6. With this year marking the 50th anniversary of Korean immigration to Brazil, the two sides noted that Korean communities in Brazil have contributed to Brazil’s development and agreed to continue to work together for the development of Korean communities in Brazil.

7. The two sides also had a broad exchange of views on regional situations, including situations in the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia and Latin America, and agreed to strengthen cooperation on the international stage such as the UN.

8. The 9th ROK-Brazil High-Level Policy Consultation was the first high-level meeting between the ROK Foreign Ministry and the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations since the inauguration of the Park Geun-hye government. It served as an opportunity for the two countries to further strengthen their relations, which have been mainly focused on economy, and to expand bilateral cooperation to other various areas in the future.

                Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

*unofficial translation