President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö made an official visit to Brazil on 1–2 June 2023 at the invitation of President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The visit started from the capital Brasília on 1 June. In their bilateral meeting, President Niinistö and President Lula discussed the geopolitical situation, common global challenges, topical regional questions and the bilateral relations between Finland and Brazil.
In the joint press conference, President Niinistö said that the discussions had been very interesting. “I understand that what we can read on your flag, is at the table, that is order and progress. And I would easily add to that activity in geopolitics. Brazil has come back to geopolitical tables, and it’s warmly welcomed.”
Regarding bilateral relations, the President highlighted the economic cooperation between Finland and Brazil, which according to him, holds a lot of potential. “The common duty, we all have to carry our burden to take our share in saving the world. And that area gives a lot of possibilities of economical cooperation in biofuel, in communication, in circulation, circular economies, and I’m sure that this will interest a lot Finnish companies.”
With respect to the war in Ukraine, President Niinistö said that the Presidents shared an understanding that the most important matter is peace. “In my opinion, every attempt for peace is very valuable. Our thinking is that Ukraine was attacked illegally by Russia, and Ukraine earns a justified peace, that i, a peace Ukraine can accept.” However, according to the President, when the peace is achieved, it is clear that worldwide discussions are needed about how it can be guaranteed to last.
On the first day of the visit, President Niinistö’s programme also included discussions with Rodrigo Pacheco, President of the Federal Senate, and Rosa Weber, President of the Supreme Federal Court. Discussions touched among others topics, the geopolitical situation, the bilateral relations between Finland and Brazil and the legal systems.
On Friday 2 June, President Niinistö visited São Paulo, where he met Tarcísio de Freitas, Governor of the State of São Paulo, and participated in a business event organised by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo.
In the speech he held at the event, President Niinistö said that both Finland and Brazil are democratic states and market economies succeeding in the rules-based international trade. “I believe that the interaction we have today will help Brazilian and Finnish companies establish connections and genuine win-win partnerships.”
The event was attended by representatives of Finnish and Brazilian trade and industry. In the event, President Niinistö also received a medal of honour awarded by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo, which is the highest recognition the federation grants to foreign citizens.
In Brazil, President Niinistö was accompanied by a business delegation with representatives from various sectors.