Foreword

Brazil is Norway’s most important partner in Latin America. In 1842, the first Norwegian-registered ship, Nordstjernen (‘the Northern Star’), sailed into the port of Rio de Janeiro. The ship was loaded with split, salted and dried cod (‘clipfish’), and returned with coffee beans. This was the start of extensive relations between our two countries. It began with trade, which still constitutes the most important relation with Brazil. In recent decades, climate and the environment, foreign policy cooperation and research have also become keystones of our collaboration. Despite our different geographies, cultures and histories, we share a number of commonalities as oil- and gas-producing coastal nations with ambitions to contribute to the green transition, and a genuine belief in democracy and a rules-based order.

More than 230 Norwegian companies are present in Brazil. The country is the most important investment market for Norwegian businesses outside of Europe and the USA. Brazil will play a key role in the global energy market and in the global energy transition in the years to come, and looks to Norway for partnership, technology and investments.

Brazil’s commitments under the Paris Agreement are extensive and affect all sectors. Deforestation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil. One third of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests are in Brazil, corresponding to an area larger than the whole of India. Norway has been cooperating with Brazilian authorities in this field since 2008, and with environmental and indigenous organisations for more than 40 years. Brazil’s emissions reduction from reduced deforestation is one of the world’s most important climate measures, and Norway has been a key partner in this work.

Over the years, Norway and Brazil have also developed an important and solid partnership within higher education, research and innovation. Brazil has outstanding research environments, and the cooperation, which is anchored in the Panorama strategy and linked to the business and the climate and environment sector, covers a wide range of topics. High-quality international research networks are necessary to solve global challenges, and academic partnerships between Brazil and Norway benefit business, society and academia.

The world is changing. Polarisation, increasing great power rivalry and pressure on the multilateral system create challenges for our own economy and security. It is in Norway’s interest to further develop strong relations with countries that share our values and views on how the world can and should be steered safely into port. Brazil is one such country. A broad collaboration to solve the challenges of our time is beneficial for both of us.