Minister of State at the Department of Transport, with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail, and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has concluded a successful visit to Brazil, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day while fostering deeper diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Ireland and Brazil. His visit comes as both nations prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Speaking during his visit, Minister Canney highlighted the strong historical and cultural connections between Ireland and Brazil, emphasising shared values of hard work, community spirit, and a love of life. “Brazil and Ireland have much in common, from our strong work ethic to our deep appreciation for music and community. Our relationship has been built over decades, and now, as we look ahead to the next 50 years, there are even greater opportunities for cooperation in trade, education, and sustainability,” he said.

A major milestone of the visit was Ireland’s commitment to contributing €15 million over three years to the Amazon Fund, reaffirming Ireland’s support for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. During a meeting with Brazil’s Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva, Minister Canney praised Brazil’s significant progress in reducing deforestation and emphasised the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges.

Minister Canney also met with key Brazilian officials, including the Minister for Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, and the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Laura da Rocha, to discuss strengthening trade and transport links. He supported Brazil’s efforts to establish direct flights between Brazil and Ireland to enhance business and tourism connectivity and acknowledged that it will be necessary to have an airline willing to fly the route before progressing the matter further. He also noted the ongoing negotiations for a double taxation agreement to facilitate smoother trade relations.

During his visit, Minister Canney highlighted the strong ties between Ireland and Brazil, noting that approximately 70,000 Brazilians now reside in Ireland, significantly contributing to Irish society and the economy. He also acknowledged the unique presence of the Brazilian community in Gort, in his own constituency of Galway East, where 30% of the population hail from Brazil, reflecting the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.

At St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, he was welcomed by the local Irish community, Brazilian officials, and business leaders. The iconic Christ the Redeemer monument was illuminated in green to mark the occasion.

The Minister also attended an Irish cultural evening organised by the Embassy in São Paulo, where Brazilian musicians showcased their passion for Irish music and dance.

Minister Canney met with Brazilian business leaders, including Rafael Kessler, Director of Engineering and Head of Operations at Combilift Brazil. Combilift, an Irish company operating in Brazil since 2009, has established a strong presence in the market with over 195 client companies and a fleet of 650 vehicles. The Minister commended their innovative approach to logistics, safety, and sustainability.

Education and research were also high on the agenda, with Minister Canney visiting the University of São Paulo (USP), the highest-ranked university in South America. He met with Professor Sergio de Proença, Provost for International Cooperation, and WB Yeats Chair Dr. Laura Izarra, discussing student exchange programs, sustainability research, and Ireland’s growing academic partnerships with Brazilian institutions.

As part of Ireland’s commitment to global social responsibility, Minister Canney visited the headquarters of Ação da Cidadania (Citizen’s Action) in Rio de Janeiro, where he met with the NGO’s President, Daniel Souza. Ireland is supporting Ação da Cidadania with a €15,000 grant in 2025 to provide training to local community leaders to combat poverty and improve food security.

 The Minister’s visit concluded in Brasília, where he engaged in high-level discussions with Brazilian government representatives and the Brazil-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Reflecting on the visit, Minister Canney expressed optimism about the future of Ireland-Brazil relations. “Our partnership is stronger than ever, and we have an exciting road ahead as we continue to build on our shared values, trade opportunities, and academic collaborations. I look forward to welcoming Brazilian leaders to Ireland later this year to further our joint initiatives.”