[Brazil] Diplomatic Message to France

[Kane]

​	MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REPUBLICA FEDERATIVA DO BRASIL
SECURITY CLEARANCE:​	ENCRYPTED / SECURE
PRIVACY LEVEL:​	CONFIDENTIAL

​

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From: Miguel Belchor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federative Republic of Brazil.
To: Thierry Chevrolet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, French Republic Dutchy
Date: May 2007
SEC: ENCRYPTED | CONFIDENTIAL

Dear Mr. Chevrolet.

Brazil conveys its warm regards to the French Government. As direct neighbours through French Guiana, our two countries share a unique geography and a broad set of common interests in the Amazon and the Atlantic. Brazil proposes to deepen our relationship accordingly and stands ready to exchange resident Ambassadors where you consider appropriate.

I would welcome a ministerial conversation in June 2007 to agree a concise roadmap with the following initial strands:

• Neighbourhood & Amazon Cooperation: practical coordination along our shared land border; environment, public health, and infrastructure links between French Guiana and northern Brazil.
• Defense Procurement (Helicopters & Aerial Tanker): Brazil seeks to acquire helicopters and an air-to-air refuelling tanker for its armed forces. We invite a consolidated offer outlining availability, indicative pricing, delivery timelines, training and sustainment. Brazil remains open to licensed assembly/production and industrial participation in Brazil, subject to mutual interest.
• Trade & Investment: with our common frontier, we can improve dramatically the relationship between the companies in our countries, the investment in joint projects and the future commerce of raw materials in between our countries.
• Science, Education & Culture: academic mobility and joint research, especially on rainforest science, space/earth observation, and tropical medicine.
• Public Security & Cyber: best practices against transnational crime, border surveillance cooperation, and technical coordination on cyber incident response.

Should this approach be agreeable, Brazil will promptly share a short list of priority specifications for the helicopter and tanker acquisitions and would welcome, in return, France’s initial catalogue and terms. Upon convergence, Brazil is prepared to submit purchase orders and proceed accordingly.

Sincerelly yours.

Miguel Belchor
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Federative Republic of Brazil
Brasília

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= CONFIDENTIAL =
TODAS AS INFORMAÇÕES CONTIDAS NESTE DOCUMENTO DEVEM ESTAR EM CONFORMIDADE
COM A REGULAMENTAÇÃO VIGENTE SOBRE DIVULGAÇÃO DE INFORMAÇÕES APROVADA PELO PARLAMENTO BRASILEIRO.

 

[Kane]

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

MINISTÈRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES
CABINET DU MINISTRE​

PRIVATE

Miguel Belchor
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Federative Republic of Brazil

Paris, June 2007​

Your Excellency, Minister Belchor,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your communication regarding proposal to exchange resident ambassadors. Your proposal to deepen our bilateral relationship is most welcome.

I have the pleasure, on behalf of Government of the French Republic, to convey that His Excellency President Valérian gives his full approval to the appointment of Mr André Porcher as Ambassador. Please find attached to this letter President Valérian note to President Gonçalves regarding the letter of credence for Mr Porcher to be appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Federative Republic of Brazil.

With regard to your proposal for a ministerial meeting in June 2007, I would like to suggest that you first take the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Porcher. Such a meeting would allow for an exchange of policy positions on matters of mutual interest and to develop a focused and substantive agenda for a subsequent ministerial meeting.

I wish to assure you that Ambassador Porcher will make himself available at your earliest convenience.

Please accept, Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Thierry Chevrolet

Minister of Foreign Affairs​

Digital Diplomatic Correspondence​

PALAIS DE L'ÉLYSÉE​

PRIVATE

Iago Pinto Gonçalves
President of the Federative Republic of Brazil

Paris, June 2007​

Mr President,

It is with great satisfaction that I inform you of my decision to accredit to you, in the quality of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Federative Republic of Brazil, Mr André Porcher, whose distinguished character, loyalty, and abilities offer me full assurance that he will discharge the duties entrusted to him in a manner worthy of our mutual trust.

He is particularly instructed to convey to you the assurances of my highest esteem and to reaffirm the bonds of steadfast friendship that link the French Republic and the Federative Republic of Brazil.

I therefore request that you receive him with goodwill and give full credence to all that he shall communicate to you in my name, particularly when he shall assure you of my best wishes for your health and happiness, as well as for the welfare and prosperity of the Brazilian people.

Please accept, Mr. President, the renewed assurance of my highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Nicolas Valérian
President of the French Republic​

Digital Diplomatic Correspondence​

Kane

 

[Kane]

​	MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REPUBLICA FEDERATIVA DO BRASIL
SECURITY CLEARANCE:​	ENCRYPTED / SECURE
PRIVACY LEVEL:​	CONFIDENTIAL

​

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From: Miguel Belchor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federative Republic of Brazil.
To: Thierry Chevrolet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, French Republic. Dutchy
Date: May 2007
SEC: ENCRYPTED | CONFIDENTIAL

Your Excellency, Mr. Chevrolet.

I am grateful for your quick and kind reply and for President Valérian’s note regarding the appointment of Mr André Porcher as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Brazil warmly welcomes Ambassador Porcher and accepts his appointment with pleasure. I will ensure President Gonçalves is informed accordingly.

Brazil is honoured to nominate Ms. Vitoria Ribeiro Acevedo as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the French Republic. A seasoned diplomat with deep familiarity with French language, history, and cultural life, Ms. Ribeiro has long cultivated ties between our institutions and societies. We are confident that her experience and appreciation of France’s cultural heritage will make her a pivotal figure in advancing a renewed partnership, delivering tangible progress across our shared agenda in diplomacy, trade, science, and the arts.

In line with your suggestion, I would be pleased to receive Ambassador Porcher for an early courtesy call to exchange views and shape a focused agenda for our subsequent ministerial meeting. My office can make itself available in Brasília at his earliest convenience; alternative venues in Rio de Janeiro can also be arranged if preferable.

With our shared neighbourhood through French Guiana, we see natural space for practical cooperation. For the Ambassador’s first meeting, Brazil proposes the following initial points:

1) Neighbourhood & Amazon Cooperation
• Coordination along the French Guiana–northern Brazil frontier (infrastructure links, environment, public health).

2) Defence Procurement (Helicopters & Aerial Tanker)
• Brazil is interested in acquiring multi-role helicopters and an air-to-air refuelling tanker.
• We would appreciate an initial, consolidated view of availability, indicative pricing and delivery timelines, together with training and sustainment options. Brazil remains open, where feasible, to industrial participation in Brazil.

3) Trade, Science & Culture
• Two priority trade routes with targeted customs facilitation; collaboration on rainforest science, space/earth observation and tropical medicine; academic mobility and cultural programming.

Please convey to Mr. Porcher our formal invitation to the Alvorada Palace for his official presentation to President Iago Pinto and the reception where we will be able to discuss these issues more directly in view of a future ministerial meeting.

Sincerelly yours.

Miguel Belchor
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Federative Republic of Brazil
Brasília

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= CONFIDENTIAL =
TODAS AS INFORMAÇÕES CONTIDAS NESTE DOCUMENTO DEVEM ESTAR EM CONFORMIDADE
COM A REGULAMENTAÇÃO VIGENTE SOBRE DIVULGAÇÃO DE INFORMAÇÕES APROVADA PELO PARLAMENTO BRASILEIRO.

 

[Dutchy]

Having only just been appointed to the post of Ambassador, André Porcher was placed on the first available flight from Paris to Brasília.

Upon arrival, he proceeded through immigration and customs, presenting his diplomatic passport when requested. Once cleared, an embassy aide received him at arrivals and drove him directly to the French diplomatic mission. There, the entire staff had gathered at the entrance to honour their new chief of mission. After brief introductions with senior personnel, André was escorted to the Ambassadorial Residence, where he could settle in and prepare for the days ahead.

The following morning, having rested, he returned to the embassy for a comprehensive briefing on recent developments and preparations for his forthcoming meeting with the Brazilian Foreign Minister. He carefully reviewed the briefing dossiers prepared by his staff, ensuring he was well acquainted with the topics on the agenda.

After lunch, the embassy vehicle was readied to take him to the Alvorada Palace. On arrival, André stepped out and made his way toward the entrance.

Kane

 

[Kane]

PALÁCIO DE LA ALVORADA​

​

Ana Luisa Teixeira and Minister Miguel Belchor stand at the palace entrance, flanked by a line of alternating French and Brazilian flags.

A small honor guard from the Brazilian army is lined up on the left side of the path leading to the two fountains and the main entrance to the palace.

After the formal introductions, the trio enters the palace and heads to the auditorium, where President Iago Pinto is standing in the center of a large room decorated with indigenous motifs and several wooden statues in the same style.

The president smiles at André and takes two steps forward to greet him with a handshake.

“Ambassador Porcher, seja bem-vindo. Paris has moved swiftly; we appreciate your prompt arrival.”

Dutchy

 

[Dutchy]

Ushered toward the entrance, André was struck by the reception arranged on such short notice. Passing the honour guard, he offered them a respectful nod of appreciation before stepping forward to meet his hosts.

Approaching President Pinto and Minister Belchor, André extended his hand in greeting. “Your Excellency, Mr. President. Your Excellency, Minister Belchor. Thank you for receiving me at such short notice. Allow me also to convey President Valérian’s warm appreciation for taking the first step to establishing diplomatic contact.”

Responding with a warm smile André said, “I must confess my own pleasant surprise at the speed of my installation, though it reflects how deeply my government values the swift establishment of strong bilateral ties between our two great nations.”

As the Brazilian hosts led the way inside, André’s gaze lingered on the artwork adorning the auditorium. “Mr. President, if your schedule ever allows, I would be most grateful for a tour of the remarkable collection displayed here.”

He would continue to follow the Brazilians as he prepared himself mentally for the meeting ahead.

Kane

 

[Kane]

"Of course, ambassador, I'd be delighted to organize a small reception... um... more social than this one" says the president with a smile "and I'd be delighted to show you some of the pieces in the collection. I'm sure you'll find them interesting... I mean, it's not the Louvre, but we're very proud of them too." He uses a friendly, warm, and sincere tone as they walk down a hallway to one of the back rooms with a huge window overlooking outdoor pools where flamingos are enjoying the beautiful morning.

Once inside, President Pinto accompanies the ambassador and Minister Belchor, while Ana Luisa Teixeira, the chief of protocol, remains at the door and discreetly closes it.

After a while talking about the congratulations from France and Brazil, and the wonderful future that seems to be taking shape together, the president stands up, takes a sip of water, and extends his hand to Ambassador Porcher.

“I'm afraid, Ambassador, that I must attend to my daily duties. You can discuss the details with Miguel, and he will pass them on to me at the next meeting of ministers. It has been a pleasure to meet you, and I hope we can see each other soon at the official reception.”

Minister Belchor stands up, offers a handshake to the president, and when he has left, gestures to the ambassador to take a seat.

“Would you like something to drink, Mr. Ambassador?”

Dutchy

OOC

Sorry, my fault. Teixeira is the Chief of Protocol. The president is Iago Pinto

 

[Dutchy]

André returned the President’s handshake, “Mr. President, the pleasure has been entirely mine. Please allow me to thank you once again for the warm welcome. I look forward to our next encounter.”

Returning to his seat André responded to Minister Belchor, “That would be most kind. Perhaps just a glass of sparkling water."

Taking a sip of the water offered, André opened his briefcase and carefully laid a briefing folder on the table before him. He then placed a notepad and pen at his side, prepared to record the key points of their discussion.

“Minister, from your earlier communiqué I understand there are several items you wish us to address, namely Neighbourhood and Amazon Cooperation, Defence Procurement, and Trade, Science, and Culture. May I ask which of these you would like us to take up first?”

Kane

 

[Kane]

The minister settles into one of the seats and takes a dossier out of his ministerial briefcase after searching through several. He places it on the table facing the ambassador and gestures for him to look through it.

“Let us begin with our shared frontier and the Amazon. We are neighbours by river and by forest; it should feel that way on the ground. Here is what Brazil proposes, a bunch of concrete, people-first, and achievable actions that will improve both regions dramatically.”

“In the first place we have the reforestation and biodiversity matter. We propose to launch a mirror reforestation plots on both banks of the Oyapock, taking the advantege of having the same species mix, same methods and techniques, so results can be compared in both ways. And we want to map biodiversity corridors across the Guiana Shield to keep habitats connected as we improve tracks and bridges. With this project we will ensure that animals can move freely in their own habitat.”

Miguel makes a move with the hand so he can pass to the next section.

“In second place we propose a close cooperation in keeping the law in the rivers. Mostly... one picture, two uniforms. We propose to put in place coordinated river patrols with a shared radio plan and a monthly calendar. For incidents that cannot wait, we propose a mixed rapid team with environmental officers, police and a prosecutor, operating under a clear protocol for limited hot pursuit and swift handover at the frontier. So if any criminal wants to use the frontier as protection, we will be allowed to pursue him until reinforcements from the other side arrives. Down the line, if both sides are satisfied, we can explore a light joint river base with drones and acoustic sensors for dragas, but we do not need to start there... maybe once the other process is operating at 100%.”

Another quick movement with the hand to the following point.

“The third project is a bit... ambitious. I would like us to stand up a binational research lab focused on medical resources from the jungle, plants, compounds and traditional knowledge, tied into our universities. Let’s make the jungle pay the communities back in knowledge, treatments and value, not just raw extraction. I'm totally sure that Amazonia has a lot to offer to the humanity other than wood.”

Miguel smiles and makes a gesture to guide the ambassador to the next point.

“This fourth proposal is focused in the humanitarian and development section. Keeping in mind the motto "Communities first", we propose to develop micro-projects on water, primary care and school repairs in a handful of twin localities in both sides of the frontier. In parallel, a cross-border day pass, with basic biometrics, for workers and students, so daily life is easier and safer. Looking ahead, we should design a Community Fund co-financed by both sides to back projects proposed by indigenous and ribeirinho communities.”

Miguel takes a sip of water and continues.

“And as a final section, we want to move goods without scarring the forest. To achieve this we propose to build a green logistics bypass, small improvements to river jetties and feeder tracks, built with environmental criteria and community input. So essentials move reliably without inviting deforestation.”

Dutchy