Brazil and Russia to expand cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy and pharmaceuticals following Mishustin’s visit to Brasilia

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Geraldo Alckmin, Vice-President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services of Brazil, agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of peaceful nuclear energy, space and pharmaceuticals. They expressed interest in broadening the supply of medical radioisotopes for healthcare needs and promoting joint projects in nuclear energy production. This was reported by the Russian government press service.

Mishustin visited Brasilia on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the visit, he took part in the 8th Meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation. Following the meeting, a statement was signed outlining the main directions of cooperation for the coming years.

Mishustin also met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He emphasised that Russia values its friendly relations with Brazil, based on the principles of mutual respect and strategic partnership. At the end of the day, the Prime Minister spoke at the opening of the Russian–Brazilian Business Forum.

Photo: Official website of the Brazilian Government

Following the commission meeting, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko highlighted the importance of developing work on infectious disease research and announced the creation of a joint oncology working group. Priority areas will include telemedicine, digital healthcare, assistance programmes for children with cancer, and joint research initiatives.

“We have a number of projects relating to radiopharmaceuticals and radiomedicine. These areas are well developed in both Brazil and Russia, and high-level specialists, by interacting with each other, are generating new ideas and solutions,” said the Russian Health Minister.

Mishustin noted that Russia is ready to consider options for localising pharmaceutical production in Brazil. Conditions are being created to bring Russian innovative medicines to the Brazilian market, including drugs for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes.

Russia and Brazil agreed to take additional steps to expand bilateral trade, which has doubled over the past five years to around US$10 billion, and to optimise the trade structure.

The parties emphasised the importance of exchanging experience and information on modern payment instruments within BRICS and highlighted the potential for increasing investment to develop capacities for mineral fertiliser production.

Russian Minister of Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov stated that Russia supplies around 30 per cent of Brazil’s fertiliser needs and is interested in stable food supplies and the development of joint agricultural projects.

Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut noted that trade in agricultural and industrial complex (AIC) products between the countries has exceeded US$2 billion annually in recent years. The countries agreed to develop cooperation in agricultural scientific research, including plant breeding, creating joint crop varieties and hybrids, genetic studies in livestock, and soil fertility preservation and improvement.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk highlighted discussions on opening a direct shipping line between St. Petersburg and Brazil, as well as resuming direct air links between the countries.

Cultural and humanitarian ties will continue to develop. In particular, support for the Bolshoi Ballet School in Joinville will be maintained, and attention will be given to promoting tourism. Last year, around 30,000 Russian tourists visited Brazil.

At the opening of the business forum, Mikhail Mishustin emphasised that Brazil is a strategic partner for Russia.

"Brazil remains Russia’s principal foreign economic partner in Latin America, accounting for approximately half of Russia’s total trade turnover with the region. Moreover, Brazil holds a dominant position in the Russian market as a key supplier of food products, particularly meat and coffee"

Mikhail Mishustin Russian Prime Minister

According to Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, the growth of mutual investment in recent years demonstrates increasing interest and trust between the countries. This opens up additional opportunities for joint investment in logistics, scientific research, and energy. To this end, the Brazilian government is prepared to provide Russian businesses with legal security and a favourable business climate.

"We support one another; we possess both economic and political opportunities. And we have all the necessary means to turn these opportunities into concrete plans"

Geraldo Alckmin Vice-President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services of Brazil

Russia and Brazil agreed to hold the next meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Commission in Moscow. Mikhail Mishustin invited Brazilian representatives to participate in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum and in the 2026 Food Exhibition in Russia.