Written Question:

Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Brazil. [297481]

Member Answering Question: Chris Bryant MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, FCO:

Answer: Brazil is an emerging global power: economically and politically. The Government's overriding objective is to be Brazil's partner of choice as Brazil takes its proper place as a global player: in foreign, security and development spheres.

In particular, it is the Government's aim to assist Brazil in using its upcoming elected term on the UN Security Council from January 2010 in a way which will bolster its claim to a permanent member of the Security Council as part of a reformed UN. The UK also seeks a greater role for Brazil in the weapons of mass destruction and disarmament agenda. As a long-standing declared non-nuclear power, Brazil is important in persuading Iran to co-operate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The UK would also like Brazil to sign the Additional Protocol of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to make full inspections of nuclear facilities the international norm.

The UK continues to work closely with Brazil in the security sphere. In particular, the UK is keen to help Brazil capitalise on its experience in leading the UN Mission to Haiti (MINUSTAH) so as to increase its capacity to play a greater role in security operations in conflict zones elsewhere, including Africa.

The UK has also been working closely with Brazil to help make the case for reform of the international architecture to meet modern demands: not least the World Bank, G20, the UN and International Monetary Fund. It is our hope that Brazil use its influence within others, such as the G77 and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), to persuade other countries of the case.

On Climate Change, the UK works closely with Brazil on climate change-as a country with a relatively clean energy matrix and with a strong commitment to address deforestation. The UK sees Brazil as a key partner in helping to achieve a deal in Copenhagen.

The UK also seeks a more active role for Brazil in development, particularly in Africa with which Brazil has traditional links and where Brazil's techniques on social protection are helpful.

The UK is looking to develop a stronger bilateral trade and commercial relationship with Brazil, including increased trade and investment which maximises

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opportunities for both countries. On multilateral trade, Brazil and the UK share the view that a Doha Development deal should be both market opening and pro-development. Both countries have a shared vision about the role that trade can and should play in enhancing opportunities for economic development.

Rio de Janeiro has recently been successful in its bid to host the 2016 Olympics. As London will be the host for the 2012 Olympics, this is an excellent opportunity for Brazil and UK to work closely together to maximise all the opportunities across a wide range of policy areas and a broad spectrum of mutual interests.