B

razil has become the first Latin American country to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), with an eye on greater economic cooperation with countries in the region and a conducive political and security situation.

Brazilian Minister for External Affairs Antonio de Aguilar Patriota said on Wednesday that signing the TAC was a prerequisite for Brazil to become a dialogue partner with ASEAN — an important step in Brazil’s relationship with one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

“I think, now, that Brazil is establishing its commitment to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation,” he said during the signing of the TAC on Wednesday in Nusa Dua, Bali, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and its related summits.

“We can advocate for a free trade agreement in the near future between the two regions,” he added

However, he did not specify when Brazil and ASEAN would kick off negotiations on a possible free trade agreement.

“The problem is we cannot be involved in too many negotiations at the same time. We are concluding a negotiation with the European Union; we have some other projects,” Patriota said.

“But I think … there is a very attractive possibility for a free trade agreement as well.”

Indonesian Foreign Minister and current chair of ASEAN Marty Natalegawa was encouraged by Brazil’s participation.

“[The signing] is an encouraging development because it shows how universal the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation has become, given the fact that there is a Latin American country that supports the TAC,” he said after a bilateral meeting with Patriota hours before the signing.

The TAC was established by ASEAN in 1976 to promote peaceful means of settling disputes between conflicting parties.

It also stipulates that no parties are allowed to interfere with the internal affairs of another and must avoid the threat or use of force.