Russia and Brazil: 25 years of partnership and new prospects for cooperation

The article was provided by Georgy Kutyrev, PhD in Political Science.

A quarter of a century ago, on 22 June 2000, Russia and Brazil signed the Treaty on Partnership, which became the cornerstone for the development of bilateral cooperation. This document, based on the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality and the pursuit of a just world order, laid the foundation for a strategic partnership, which in 25 years has borne significant fruit and opened new horizons.

Today it can be confidently said that relations between Moscow and Brasilia have become an example of sustainable dialogue between two major economies united by common goals and complementary interests.

Economic cooperation has become one of the brightest pages of this partnership. Over 25 years, trade turnover between Russia and Brazil has multiplied, reaching a record US$12.4 billion in 2024, of which US$11 billion was accounted for by Russian exports.

Russia supplies Brazil with mineral fertilisers, chemical products, wheat, fish products, and high-tech goods, including technologies in nuclear energy, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. Brazil, in turn, has strengthened its position as the largest supplier of meat to Russia – in 2024, meat exports grew 1.5 times year-on-year. Russian IT companies are successfully penetrating the Brazilian market, while Brazilian manufacturers of auto parts, agricultural machinery, and even toothpaste are in demand in Russia.

Despite some challenges, the countries continue to deepen trade ties, including by developing new logistics routes for fertiliser supplies, which could reduce costs for Brazilian farmers.

Political dialogue has also reached a new level. The document signed in 2005 on the creation of the “Brazil-Russia Strategic Alliance” consolidated the status of both countries as strategic partners. Regular meetings between the leaders – from the visit of former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso in 2002 to the talks between Heads of state Vladimir Putin and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2025 – confirm the commitment of the two sides to strengthening relations. In BRICS and the Group of Twenty (G20), Russia and Brazil coordinate efforts to reform global institutions and advocate a multipolar world order.

High-tech cooperation has become an important part of the partnership, including in the energy sector. Russian companies continue to supply turbines for Brazilian hydroelectric power plants, as well as to implement oil exploration projects in the Amazon. In addition, Russia has expressed its readiness to participate in the completion of the third unit of the Angra Nuclear Power Plant in the state of Rio de Janeiro and to build new reactors, which is in line with Brazil's plans to expand nuclear power.

In the space sector, the flight of Brazilian astronaut Marcus Pontis to the International Space Station in 2006 aboard the Russian manned spacecraft Soyuz TMA-8 was a landmark event.

Cultural ties continue to play a key role in fostering mutual understanding between peoples. A unique project was the school of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre in the Brazilian city of Joinville. It was opened in 2000 and became the only foreign school of its kind. This project, supported by the governments of both countries, was described by the Russian side as a “pearl” of friendship between the countries.

The prospects for cooperation remain promising. Russia and Brazil plan to deepen economic ties through investments in infrastructure, logistics, and localisation of production. Through the New Development Bank, Brazil hopes to attract resources to implement large-scale reforms.

Digital interaction is also gaining momentum: the Russian IT sector, which has already won the interest of millions of Brazilian users, opens the way to new technological initiatives. Environmental issues also remain a priority: the countries continue to coordinate on issues of sustainable development, as enshrined in the treaty.

The Russia-Brazil partnership has proven its vitality over 25 years. From trade and technology to culture and international diplomacy, the countries continue to build relations that not only serve their national interests but also contribute to stability and justice in the world. In a changing world order, Russia and Brazil, building on the spirit of the 2000 treaty, are ready for new joint projects that will strengthen their positions as key players in the international arena.

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