Brazil rejoins Community of Latin American and Caribbean States

Two years after leaving the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Brazil is set to rejoin the regional bloc, made up of 32 other nations. According to the country’s Foreign Ministry, the decision was announced to representatives from member countries on Thursday (Jan. 5).

The measure was also relayed to governments and groups with which the CELAC has ties, including the EU, China, India, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the African Union.

Also according to the ministry, Brazil’s return to Celac will occur “in full and immediately, at all instances of the entity, […] both political and technical.”

“The return of Brazil to the Latin American community of states is a vital step in restoring our diplomatic assets and enabling the nation’s full reinsertion into the international community,” the note goes on to read.

History

CELAC was founded in February 2010 with the direct participation of Brazil—which, as recently as 2018, hosted the 1st Summit Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean Countries, bringing together representatives from the 33 nations, Brazil included, that would form CELAC with the purpose of drafting a regional integration project.

Since its creation, CELAC has held meetings on a number of topics of interest to Latin American and Caribbean nations—such as education, social development, culture, transportation, infrastructure, and energy. The group has also been vocal on issues of global relevance, like nuclear disarmament, climate change, and drugs.

Back in January 2020, former President Bolsonaro’s administration decided to suspend Brazil’s participation in the group. The move was unveiled by then–Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo, who tweeted, “CELAC has not shown results in the defense of democracy or in any other area. On the contrary, it gave voice to non-democratic regimes such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.” The end of the US blockade of Cuba had been a historic demand of the bloc.

Diplomacy

Brazil’s decision to rejoin CELAC comes as part of the drive to “restore Brazilian diplomacy” and rebuild bridges with South American countries, President Lula had declared during his last electoral campaign.