U.S.-Brazil Relations and President Dilma Rousseff's Visit to Washington, DC

Americas Society/Council of the Americas hosted a conversation with House Foreign Affairs Committee member Congressman Gregory L. Meeks and former U.S. Ambassadors to Brazil John Danilovich and Anthony Harrington. Speakers discussed President Dilma Rousseff’s upcoming trip to Washington and expressed their views on the evolving relationship between the United States and Brazil. Meeks opened by laying out prospects of the visit for the Western Hemisphere while panelists commented on the significance and potential impact of Rousseff’s meeting with President Barack Obama.

 

Prospects for the Americas
 

Meeks outlined an optimistic vision for the Americas based on sustainable and booming growth, increasingly becoming a reality in Brazil. He projected that as countries continue to develop, they will make significant strides in social and infrastructure development, including reductions in poverty, more educational access, lower unemployment, the elimination of racial barriers, and improved management of natural resources. Meeks also highlighted the role of innovation in facilitating development, saying that Brazil represents opportunity for the region and that the future of the hemisphere belongs to Brazil and the United States.  

 

U.S.-Brazil Relations
 

Danilovich pointed out that the mindset of a North-South division in the Americas is becoming increasingly dated. As an example of the narrowing gap between North and South America, he pointed to Brazil, which achieved political and economic success in recent years. Brazil emerged with strong, stable economic and political structures that are fostering development, especially in comparison to other countries in the region. Danilovich affirmed that the paths of the United States and Brazil are converging and that this is reflected in the emerging multifaceted nature of the bilateral relationship.

 

Meeks commented on the numerous similarities between the United States and Brazil as well as recent developments that have strengthened the relationship. The two countries value human rights and racial equality, and pride themselves on achievements in democracy, freedom, and social justice, he said. At the same time, the economies of the United States and Brazil are globally competitive and comparable in terms of high public spending. As Brazil has developed, it has become an emerging world leader, particularly in the G20. For example, Brazil recently committed to increasing development assistance in the Americas, supported the fight against AIDS, and led UN security efforts in Haiti.

 

With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, it is necessary for countries within the hemisphere to work together. Brazil began this process with the United States and other partners in the region through foreign direct investment and the placement of students abroad. The United States is matching Brazil’s efforts through the 100,000 Strong Initiative, which encourages U.S. students to study abroad in Brazil and other Latin American countries. Meeks said it is important to encourage exchanges throughout the hemisphere in order to contribute to decrease isolation and advance relationships.

 

President Rousseff's Visit to Washington
 

When Obama visited Brazil in March 2011, he cemented a personal relationship with Rousseff based on common interests and values that will continue to develop in their upcoming meetings, speakers said. Harrington pointed out that the strategic ties between Brazil and the United States’ are echoed in the subject of Rousseff’s upcoming visit: the Brazil-U.S. Partnership in the 21st Century. With improved bilateral relations, the speakers anticipated efforts to better coordinate knowledge sharing and lower trade barriers. Though the two countries have not signed a trade agreement, panelists agreed that the United States should continue to advance trade and economic cooperation with Brazil. Danilovich added that he hopes to see prospects for a coastal free trade zone along the Atlantic. On the upcoming Summit of the Americas, the speakers predicted a conversation between the presidents about hemispheric issues and cooperation in addressing regional challenges such as public security and narcotrafficking. Susan Segal, President and CEO of AS/COA, concluded by highlighting that the U.S.-Brazilian relationship is “every day becoming more mature.”