Brazil does not sign declaration in support of Ukrainian government at WTO conference

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Brazilian government has not joined a declaration of solidarity with the controversial Ukrainian government announced Sunday at the opening of the WTO Ministerial Conference. The body will try to agree on food security and ensure supplies for the world’s poorest countries, which are currently struggling with hunger and humanitarian crises.

The declaration was made by more than 50 countries, including EU members, Canada, Japan, and the United States. The document was signed in Latin America, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

In the early days of the war, Brazil voted in rare cases for and joined some projects that condemned Russia in international organizations. But as the crisis deepened, Itamaraty’s policy was to maintain dialogue and abstain from voting against Moscow.

According to Brazilian ambassador and negotiator Sarquis José Sarquis, the government “does not want to politicize” specialized institutions and therefore did not abide by the statement.

“This is our position toward the G20, regarding specialized organizations such as the WTO,” he said. In his opinion, such institutions can discuss the effects of the crisis. “But without politically addressing the causes of these crises. Nor be responsible for dealing with issues that should be dealt with in the Security Council or the UN General Assembly,” he said.

“We must respect the order of international bodies. Otherwise, we create distortions and set precedents,” the ambassador added.

During the opening session of the WTO conference, delegates from more than 30 countries left the room in protest when the Russian government took the floor. Brazil remained true to itself and decided to stay.

In its speech, Moscow criticized sanctions and warned other countries not to get involved with countries that impose embargoes, as they could one day be affected themselves.

In the document released over the weekend, ministers from more than 50 countries “reaffirm their full support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”

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