Brazil and Portugal condemn Russia’s “annexation” and ask for a “just and lasting peace.”

The governments of Brazil and Portugal “deplore the violation” of the territorial integrity of Ukraine by Russia and the annexation of parts of Ukrainian territory, calling for adherence to international law and “a just and lasting peace.”

This position is contained in the Joint Declaration signed by Portugal and Brazil following the XIII Portuguese-Brazilian Summit this Saturday at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon. Statement released ahead of a press conference by Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa.

“The heads of government stressed their commitment to international law, the UN Charter and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. They deplored Russia’s violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the annexation of part of its territory as a violation of international law,” the text says.

In the final part of the same text, we read that Portugal and Brazil “continued to emphasize the need to promote a just and lasting peace.”

Also regarding the war in Ukraine, leaders from Brazil and Lisbon “mourned the loss of life and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, as well as the enormous human suffering and deterioration in the vulnerability of the world economy caused by the war.”

“They expressed concern about the global implications of the conflict for food and energy security, especially in the poorest regions of the planet,” he stresses.

Also in terms of the economic and social implications stemming from this conflict in Eastern Europe, Portugal and Brazil “unanimously supported the full functioning of the Black Sea Grains Initiative”.

In the opening paragraphs of the joint statement, António Costa and Lula da Silva “reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to defend effective multilateralism based on international law and the Charter of the United Nations, reiterating their strong support for international peace and security, for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.”

“They also highlighted the urgent and urgent need to confront the global challenges of climate change and food security and promote sustainable development, poverty eradication and social inclusion,” he says.

In terms of defense, the leaders of Portugal and Brazil “expressed satisfaction with the relationship between the respective ministries and the armed forces, highlighting the participation of Brazilian military personnel in the Portuguese contingent of the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic.”

In terms of cooperation in the field of defense industry, the governments of Lisbon and Brazil “highlighted the importance of the joint development project of the KC-390, the first of five aircraft acquired by Portugal, was presented in 2022. It is currently in the certification stage” since March last year.

“However, in this context, they identified “unique opportunities to strengthen relations between the two countries, given the existing potential for cooperation, namely in areas such as space, cyber defense, aeronautics, surveillance systems and radar,” he adds.