Brazil backs Bangladesh in UNGA presidency bid

Brazil has officially expressed support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), while also proposing the launch of a high-level strategic dialogue mechanism to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The development came during a meeting held on Friday (May 15) at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília between Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Celso Amorim, chief adviser to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

During the meeting, Amorim confirmed that Brazil would formally support Bangladesh in the upcoming UNGA presidential election scheduled for June 2, 2026, in New York. Bangladesh is currently contesting the position against Cyprus.

Expressing appreciation for Brazil’s backing, Humayun Kabir said Bangladesh is pursuing its candidacy under the vision of “restoring trust and delivering for all” through a more inclusive and effective United Nations system.

He noted that amid growing global conflicts, inequality and declining confidence in international institutions, reforms aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation have become increasingly important.

Alongside the UNGA issue, Brazil also proposed establishing a dedicated “strategic forum” to institutionalise regular high-level political consultations between Dhaka and Brasília. Welcoming the proposal, Humayun Kabir said such a framework would strengthen mutual trust and facilitate long-term policy coordination between the two nations.

The two sides also discussed expanding bilateral trade and economic engagement. Although annual trade between Bangladesh and Brazil has reached nearly $4 billion, both parties agreed that the existing volume remains far below its full potential.

During the talks, Bangladesh highlighted opportunities to increase exports of ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, jute goods and ceramics to the Brazilian market. Discussions were also held on continuing imports of cotton, soybean and industrial raw materials from Brazil.

Humayun Kabir further reiterated Bangladesh’s interest in joining the BRICS alliance and sought Brazil’s support on the matter. In response, Amorim said he would discuss the issue with President Lula and explore possible initiatives to support Bangladesh’s inclusion in the bloc.