Brazil has formally backed Bangladesh's bid for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and assured its support for Dhaka's aspirations to join BRICS, in a major strategic breakthrough for bilateral relations.

The significant development emerged during a high-level meeting between the Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Celso Amorim, chief adviser to the Brazilian President, at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.

According to a message received in Dhaka, both sides pledged to elevate Bangladesh-Brazil relations into a multidimensional strategic partnership anchored in stronger political engagement, economic cooperation, multilateral coordination, and Global South solidarity.

At the outset of the discussion, Amorim conveyed President Lula’s greetings and congratulations to the leadership and people of Bangladesh, describing the country as "an emerging and influential voice of the Global South with an increasingly important international role."

Recalling the 53-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations, Kabir noted that Brazil was the first South American country to recognize Bangladesh following its independence, stating that "the relationship has now entered a new strategic phase."

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was Brazil's proposal to establish a "Tete-a-Tete Strategic Forum," designed as an institutional platform for regular one-on-one meetings at the adviser level to deepen direct political dialogue and strategic coordination.

Kabir welcomed the initiative, saying the mechanism would "strengthen mutual trust, strategic understanding and long-term policy coordination."

In a major diplomatic gesture, Amorim conveyed President Lula's formal decision to support Bangladesh's candidacy in the June 2 election in New York for the presidency of the 81st UNGA session, where Bangladesh is contesting against Cyprus.

Amorim said Brazil's support reflects "confidence in Bangladesh's constructive global role, commitment to inclusive multilateralism and leadership in advancing the interests of the Global South."

Expressing his gratitude, Kabir stated that Bangladesh's campaign is guided by the vision, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," adding that "the world urgently needs a more inclusive, effective and justice-based United Nations."

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral trade and economic cooperation, expressing satisfaction that trade between the two nations has approached USD 4 billion, though both agreed the volume remains below its true potential.

Kabir pointed out that the economies of Bangladesh and Brazil are highly complementary, noting that "Bangladesh imports cotton, soybeans, sugar and industrial raw materials from Brazil while significant opportunities exist for increasing exports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, jute goods and ceramics."

He stressed the immediate need for direct shipping connectivity, stronger business linkages, increased investment flows, and reduced intermediary dependence.

Furthermore, the leaders discussed the next Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), to be held after Brazil's general elections later this year, where agreements spanning agriculture, technology, healthcare, education, sports, investment, energy, and innovation are expected to be finalized.

During discussions on regional diplomacy, Kabir asserted that Bangladesh's foreign policy would be guided by "equality, dignity, mutual respect and balanced engagement," while reaffirming Dhaka's commitment to regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.

He also reiterated the government's commitment to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to promote regional cooperation and integrated development in South Asia.

Turning to global geopolitics, Kabir stated that Bangladesh would "remain firm in safeguarding its sovereign decision-making independence and national interests while continuing strategic cooperation with China in infrastructure and connectivity and maintaining historic ties with Russia in energy, nuclear technology and multilateral diplomacy."

Amorim agreed with this stance, noting that Bangladesh and Brazil, as influential Global South voices, "can play a vital role in shaping a fair, multipolar and inclusive international order based on justice, morality and sovereign equality."

Kabir also formally raised Bangladesh's aspiration to join BRICS, seeking Brazil's backing. In response, Amorim assured that he would personally discuss the matter with President Lula and "make every possible effort to support Bangladesh's inclusion."

Additionally, the meeting touched upon Bangladesh's membership in the New Development Bank (NDB), with Bangladesh requesting the establishment of an NDB branch in Dhaka to accelerate development cooperation and project implementation.

Kabir highlighted that 10 legal instruments have already been signed between the two countries, while 16 more agreements covering technology cooperation, agriculture, education, and innovation are currently ready for signing.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic engagement, marking what diplomatic observers have described as a "strategic reset" in Bangladesh-Brazil relations amid evolving global realities.