Minister Maliki Osman’s visit to Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 24 to 26 July 2024, aimed at strengthening ties between Singapore and the Brazilian state, focusing on trade, investment, and education collaborations.

Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education, and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Belo Horizonte from 24 to 26 July 2024. This visit marked a significant step in bolstering the relationship between Singapore and the state of Minas Gerais.

During his visit, Minister Maliki met with key officials and leaders. He was hosted for breakfast by Mateus Simões de Almeida, Vice Governor of Minas Gerais, and had discussions with André Reis, the Municipal Secretary of Planning, Budget, and Management of Belo Horizonte. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to enhancing collaborations in agriculture, critical minerals, and education.

Minister Maliki received detailed briefings on investment opportunities from Antônio Pitangui de Salvo, President of the Agriculture Federation of Minas Gerais, Flávio Roscoe, President of the Federation of Industries of Minas Gerais, and Gustavo Garcia, Director of Management and New Business at Invest Minas. These discussions included insights into the business and investment climates in both Minas Gerais and Singapore.

In addition to these engagements, Minister Maliki visited the Dom Cabral Foundation, where he addressed students on Singapore’s economic journey and the potential for collaboration in innovation, sustainability, and the green transition. He also toured the Shopee sorting center in Minas Gerais, a key investment for the company’s logistics capabilities in Brazil.

Minister Maliki emphasized the importance of maintaining strong international ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation. His visit highlights the growing significance of Singapore-Brazil relations and the mutual benefits of increased collaboration.

Source – MFA

Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, emphasizing the importance of international law, global governance reform, and combating global challenges.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman, represented Singapore at the pivotal G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 21-22 February 2024. This significant gathering brought together foreign ministers from the world’s largest economies to deliberate on pressing global issues, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced international cooperation and adherence to the principles of international law amid escalating global tensions.

During the sessions, discussions centered around the urgency of reforming global governance institutions to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness in tackling a wide array of global challenges, including combating hunger and poverty—a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ministers collectively recognized the importance of these reforms for fostering a more equitable and sustainable global order.

Furthermore, Minister Maliki articulated Singapore’s commitment to global governance through its leadership in establishing forums like the Forum of Small States and the Global Governance Group, which aim to amplify the voices of smaller nations in multilateral platforms. These efforts underscore Singapore’s dedication to fostering inclusive dialogues and ensuring that the perspectives of all countries, regardless of size, are considered in global discussions.

On the sidelines of the G20 FMM, Minister Maliki’s engagement with international counterparts underscored Singapore’s proactive stance in international diplomacy. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on International Cooperation Development with Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Diana Mondino, marked a significant step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation and sharing developmental best practices. This agreement, set within the larger context of the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, opens new avenues for collaboration, technical exchange, and mutual learning between Singapore and Argentina.

The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro was a crucial platform for discussing global governance reform and addressing international challenges. Minister Maliki’s participation and the agreements signed reflect Singapore’s active role in shaping global policies and its commitment to contributing constructively to international peace, security, and development. As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges, the need for a cohesive, rule-based international order has never been more apparent. Singapore, through its diplomatic engagements and initiatives, continues to champion these ideals on the global stage.

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Singapore extends gratitude for G20 invitation from Brazil, signaling strong bilateral ties and commitment to global cooperation.

Singapore, on the 2nd of December 2023, received an invitation from the Federative Republic of Brazil, currently holding the G20 Presidency, to actively participate in the G20 meetings, including the anticipated G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro from the 18th to the 19th of November 2024.

The invitation highlights the robust relations between Singapore and Brazil, fostering cooperation across various multilateral platforms. Both nations have been collaborating closely in crucial areas such as trade and investment, innovation, education, climate change, and sustainability.

Singapore expresses gratitude for the invitation, viewing it as a testament to the nations’ shared commitment to addressing global challenges collectively. The island nation is poised to contribute actively to the G20 process, representing not only its national interests but also its role as the Convenor of the Global Governance Group (3G).

In the statement, Singapore outlines its commitment to collaborate with the Brazilian Presidency and other G20 members and guests. The focus will be on advancing Brazil’s outlined priorities, including the promotion of social inclusion, combating hunger, managing energy transition for sustainable development, and advocating for reforms in global governance.

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Brazilian farmers successfully concluded their mission in Singapore, strengthening trade and investment ties in the agricultural sector, with a focus on the booming e-commerce market and partnership opportunities. The collaboration is set to boost Brazil’s agricultural exports to Singapore and Southeast Asia while enhancing food security and consumer engagement.

In a collaborative effort between the largest agriculture association of Brazil, Sistema CNA Senar, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore), Brazilian farmers wrapped up a highly successful Asia trip with a remarkable visit to Singapore. The mission’s primary objective was to bolster trade and investment relations between Brazil and Singapore, with a special emphasis on the agricultural sector. The farmers were elated with the outcome of their endeavors, as they had the opportunity to engage with several potential partners in Singapore while gaining valuable insights into the local market and its burgeoning prospects.

The Brazilian farmers were particularly intrigued by Singapore’s thriving e-commerce market, recognizing its pivotal role in reaching consumers across Southeast Asia. They eagerly sought to establish robust distribution channels through partnerships with local food companies. Simultaneously, these companies viewed Singapore as a crucial market to expand their reach and connect with consumers in the wider Southeast Asia region. By fostering collaboration and capitalizing on e-commerce opportunities, both Brazilian and Singaporean stakeholders can tap into the immense potential for growth in the agricultural sector.

This successful mission to Singapore also highlighted Brazil’s commitment as a key supporter and partner in Singapore’s pursuit of food security. The mutually beneficial endeavor underscores the symbiotic relationship between Brazil’s substantial agricultural production and the high demand for food products in Asia. The presence of a permanent representative from Sistema CNA Senar in Singapore further strengthens the ties between the two countries, facilitating ongoing collaboration, joint ventures, and agribusiness opportunities. With abundant prospects on the horizon, Brazil and Singapore are well-positioned to unlock new avenues for economic growth and trade in the agricultural sector.

As the mission concluded, it became evident that e-commerce holds immense potential as a pivotal channel for engaging with consumers in Southeast Asia. This rapidly growing trend offers Brazilian farmers a vital gateway to connect with a diverse consumer base across the region. By harnessing the power of e-commerce platforms, Brazilian agricultural products can now effortlessly reach households and businesses across Southeast Asia, thus boosting trade and enhancing regional food security. The success of this mission lays a solid foundation for increased trade and investment between Brazil and Singapore, promising a mutually beneficial future in the agricultural landscape.

The 3rd Global Governance Group Dialogue expressed its support for India’s upcoming G20 Presidency, recognizing India’s role in global governance and leadership in addressing global challenges.

H.E. Mr P Kumaran, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, attended the 3rd Global Governance Group (3G) Dialogue on May 6, which expressed its support for India’s upcoming G20 Presidency. The meeting, chaired by Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, saw the attendance of the G20 Troika, including Indonesia, India, and Brazil, along with 16 Heads of Mission and representatives.

The 3G Dialogue recognized India’s vital role in global governance and its leadership in addressing global challenges. The support shown by the 3G for India’s G20 Presidency signifies a growing recognition of India’s potential to shape the global agenda and drive meaningful change.

India’s G20 Presidency, which will commence in 2023, is expected to focus on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, and global economic growth. With the support of the 3G and other international partners, India aims to play a proactive and constructive role in addressing these pressing challenges.

The meeting provided an opportunity for India to engage with other G20 members and key stakeholders, as well as to showcase its commitment to promoting global cooperation and multilateralism.

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Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, visited Brazil to discuss increasing cooperation in various fields, such as science, technology, and innovation, education, climate change and energy transition, and the signing of the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, visited Brazil from 16 to 18 April 2023 to discuss increasing cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in various fields, such as science, technology, and innovation, education, climate change and energy transition, and trilateral technical cooperation. One of the highlights of the visit was the conclusion of the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which aims to foster private sector engagement between the two countries and other MERCOSUR State Parties. The Ministers also recognized the strategic role of science, technology, and innovation for the competitiveness of their economies and agreed to encourage interaction between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems.

In addition to economic cooperation, Singapore expressed support for Brazil’s bid to host COP-30 in Belém in 2025, and welcomed the candidacy of Brazilian scientist Thelma Krug to Chair of the IPCC. Both Ministers also agreed on the importance of ensuring that the energy transition and the mitigation of emissions in the energy sector occur in a fair and equitable manner. Minister Balakrishnan had a series of meetings with Brazilian Ministers and officials in Brasilia, including President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce Geraldo Alckmin, and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva.

Minister Balakrishnan’s visit highlights the growing cooperation between Singapore and Brazil in various fields, such as trade and investment, sustainable development, and climate change. The conclusion of the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement is expected to foster greater private sector engagement and promote economic growth in both countries. Singapore’s support for Brazil’s bid to host COP-30 in Belém in 2025 and the candidacy of Brazilian scientist Thelma Krug to Chair of the IPCC demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to working with Brazil on climate issues. As both countries recognize the strategic role of science, technology, and innovation for their economies, they also agreed to encourage interaction between their innovation ecosystems.

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Singapore’s Foreign Minister expresses gratitude to Brazil for strong relationship and economic cooperation, including food imports, climate cooperation, and support for Brazil’s preparations for its 2024 G20 Presidency.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, expressed gratitude to Brazilian Minister Mauro Vieira for his warm reception during their recent meeting in Brazil. In their in-depth review of the Singapore-Brazil relationship, Balakrishnan noted that the relationship had grown exponentially, particularly in the last ten years, and was built on mutual respect, trust, and goodwill.

Balakrishnan and Vieira discussed their countries’ economic cooperation, including Singapore’s reliance on Brazil as a key source market for food imports, which are crucial to Singapore’s survival. The two countries are looking forward to signing the MERCOSUR-Singapore Free Trade Agreement later this year and implementing the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, which came into effect in 2021. Additionally, they discussed strengthening climate cooperation and Brazil’s bid to host COP-30 in Belém.

Balakrishnan expressed support for Brazil’s preparations for its 2024 G20 Presidency and its potential to provide the leadership necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. He concluded by stating that the Singapore-Brazil relationship is vital and dynamic and looks forward to more work for their diplomats, businesses, people, students, and entrepreneurs.

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Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Second Minister for Education, Dr. Maliki Osman, visited the Federative Republic of Brazil from January 1 to 3, 2023, and attended the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Minister Maliki was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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2019 Embassy Activities Round-Up

Brazil and Singapore Make Waves Together in 2019

President Jair Bolsonaro met PM Lee Hsien Loong at the sidelines during the Osaka G20 talks

The year ended has been magnificent for the ties that bind the businesses and experts of Brazil and Singapore. Much that is noteworthy and transformational has been accomplished jointly.

Ambassador Flávio Damico, who has just ended his stint is being replaced by Ambassador Eugênia Barthelmess, who is set to inject new vigour into Brazilian projects here. President Jair Bolsonaro completed his first year in office, leaving an indelible mark in Brazil’s globalisation agenda. A high point for bilateral relations was his encounter with PM Lee Hsien Loong during Osaka’s G20 talks.

The PianoBotanica concerts at Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is a major attraction of Brazil’s National Day celebrations

Other luminaries travelled to Singapore with specific agendas. The Lemann Foundation launched two trips to glean the framework of Singapore’s educational success and also to source ways of upgrading Brazil’s civil service and hence its governance, having seen Singapore’sÌý overall excellence in all its pursuits. ENAP, the National School of Public Administration, sent a similar team.

In business, logistics and exports, the Trade & Economic section of the Embassy worked feverishly. Aided by that team, delegates from Santos port enjoyed a busy schedule while seeking partnerships, benchmarks, automation, investments and more. Similarly Senator Roberto Rocha, from Maranhão state, came with a view to developingÌý the Itaqui port and a coastal resort stretch.

A mission of retailers from Salvador sought digital solutions, in e-commerce, fintech, payments, inventory, blockchain and more. From Rio de Janeiro, its industrial federation, or FIRJAN, sent delegates to partner with technology hubs, from the Singapore Manufacturing Federation to R&D centres such as the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials and the start-up 2D Materials Pte. Ltd., both led by Brazilians based here. Again, the Trade and Economic section of the Embassy securedÌý good results.

One word is heard at every turn: innovation, reiterated by every delegate. INPI, the National Institute of Industrial Property, was present at Singapore’s IP Week so as to understand intellectual property realities and to ink an agreement with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.

The dialogue toward a Singapore-Mercosur trade agreement has continued; it is aimed at materialising in the early 2020s. On the fun side, Brazilians provided some cheering moments at the PianoBotanica music event amidst the lush expanses of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Speaking of nature, one sees in every mall in Singapore a counter offering a bowl of açaí, that wondrous Amazon berry. Clearly, from trade matters to skill-building, from business talks to musical enjoyment, and from innovation to natural products, Brazil and Singapore have much to celebrate together.

Photo credit: Ministry of Communications and Information

SINGAPORE, 25 February 2020 – Ambassador Barthelmess has worked for the Brazilian diplomatic service for the past 31 years. Prior to being nominated as her country’s Ambassador to Singapore, she was the Director for South America at the Ministry of External Relations. Ambassador Barthelmess has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Literature. She is married with one daughter.