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Global Entry Program and the Visa Waiver Program
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Brazilian president: Our countries share fight against 'blemish of slavery'
Jul 1, 2015 | CNN
By Eugene Scott
Rousseff, who was in town to meet and have a White House press conference with President Barack Obama, addressed the striking parts of history the two countries share: Slavery. -
Joint Communique by President Barack Obama and President Dilma Rousseff
Jul 30, 2015 | The White House
By Office of the Press Secretary
At the invitation of President Barack Obama, President Dilma Rousseff made an official working visit to the United States on June 29-30, 2015 to review the main topics of the bilateral, regional and multilateral agendas. -
Obama, Rousseff agree to improve trade, travel
Jun 30, 2015 | Reuters
By Roberta Rampton and Idrees Ali
...They also agreed to take steps so that Americans and Brazilians can travel between the two countries without visas, and to allow Brazilians to apply for expedited "Global Entry" clearance when visiting the United States in early 2016... -
Barack Obama, Dilma Rousseff Announce Climate Commitments Ahead Of Paris Conference
Jun 30, 2015 | The Latin Times
By Cedar Attanasio
The Presidents of Brazil and the U.S. announced a joint effort on Tuesday to combat global climate change through a variety of strategies, including the increased use of renewable energy and a self-imposed caps on emissions. Both presidents promised to double or triple their current renewable energy production (excluding hydropower). Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff pledged to crack down on illegal logging, stop deforestation and restore 30 million acres of the Amazon, whose rainforest is a major sequester of carbon. -
Obama, Rousseff turn page on spy spat, work on trade, travel
Jun 30, 2015 | Reuters
By Roberta Rampton
President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff used a White House visit on Tuesday to turn the page on a spying scandal that had damaged bilateral relations and said they want to work to bolster economic ties. -
Brazil Tries To Rebuild Relations With U.S. After NSA Spying Scandal
Jun 30, 2015 | NPR
By Jackie Northam
President Obama offered President Dilma to come here on a state visit if she could wait until next year because the White House does just a limited number of those visits. But she declined and asked to come now... -
President Obama Reflects on His 'Best Week'
Jun 30, 2015 | National Journal
By Marina Koren and Matt Berman
Was last week President Obama's best week ever? That's the crux of a question the president took on on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. His answer started out a little cheesy. -
Hilton Worldwide Applauds Brazilian Government’s Decision to Participate in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s “Global Entry” Program
Jul 1, 2015 | Market Watch
By Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide HLT, applauds the commitment by U.S. President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to incorporate Brazil into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry program. This announcement came following the meeting between the two presidents in Washington where they discussed bilateral cooperation, including expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. -
Travel Industry Urges Inclusion of Brazil in Visa Waiver, Global Entry Program
Jul 1, 2015 | Successful Meetings
By Matt Alderton
...According to the U.S. Travel Association, which yesterday issued astatement urging President Barack Obama to discuss VWP expansion -- as well as expansion of the Global Entry Program -- during meetings this week with Brazil President Dilma Rousseff.
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Brazilian president: Our countries share fight against 'blemish of slavery'
Jul 1, 2015 | CNN
By Eugene Scott
The United States and Brazil will be able to overcome future challenges related to race because of progress the two countries have made dealing with their past, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said Tuesday.
Rousseff, who was in town to meet and have a White House press conference with President Barack Obama, addressed the striking parts of history the two countries share: Slavery.
"I think Brazil and the U.S. have a great deal in common," Rousseff said. "We are two countries that have a hallmark in our history, something that we actually had to fight to overcome. I'm talking about the blemish of slavery."
The legacy of slavery has recently returned to the political and cultural forefront, following Southern states that are debating the prominence of the Confederate Flag, a symbol many see as celebrating the enslavement of blacks.
READ: Obama announces reestablishment of U.S.-Cuba diplomatic tiesU.S. President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 30, 2015.
Brazil received the largest number of African slaves of any country during the Transatlantic slave trade -- more than 4.9 million.
Slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888, more than two decades after it was ended in the United States.Today there are more than 14.5 million Afro-Brazilians in the country - making up about 7.6 percent of Brazil's population.
"We have large black populations in our two countries. We are countries marked by a very significant ethnic and multicultural variety in our population makeup," Rousseff said. "And that is a major asset, the wonderful heritage in our population. The same is true for the U.S."
In the same press conference, Obama mentioned the ongoing challenges that slavery has caused the U.S. He praised South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for calling for the removal of the Confederate Flag from the state capitol grounds last week. For many Americans, removing the flag will suggest another step forward of acknowledging the harm of slavery in America.
"As I said on Friday, I think it doesn't solve all our problems," Obama said. "But what it does is signify a sense of empathy and recognition that I think is always the start of progress."
http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/01/politics/brazilian-president-discusses-overcoming-slavery/
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Joint Communique by President Barack Obama and President Dilma Rousseff
Jul 30, 2015 | The White House
By Office of the Press Secretary
At the invitation of President Barack Obama, President Dilma Rousseff made an official working visit to the United States on June 29-30, 2015 to review the main topics of the bilateral, regional and multilateral agendas.
The Presidents highlighted the traditional ties that bind the two countries and underscored their determination to strengthen an increasingly diversified and mature partnership, grounded in mutual respect and trust, shared values, and a focus on meeting the needs and aspirations of the societies of the two largest democracies and economies in the Americas.
The Leaders also emphasized the important role of the principal mechanisms for bilateral coordination and dialogue – the Global Partnership Dialogue, the Economic and Finance Dialogue, the Strategic Energy Dialogue, and the Defense Cooperation Dialogue.
Expanding Trade and Investment Cooperation
Recognizing the robust bilateral trade and investment between our two countries, the Heads of State committed to enhance efforts to expand trade and investment, as well as to increase the competitiveness and diversity of both our economies. The Leaders stressed that the accelerated growth of the economy of the United States—the chief destination for Brazilian exports of manufactured products—and the strong ties that unite the two countries offer important opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment flows.
In keeping with the objective to expand bilateral trade flows, the Presidents underscored recent advances in the areas of trade facilitation and conformity assessment. They praised the recent signing of the Memorandum of Intentions on Trade Facilitation between the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC) and Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry and Commerce (MDIC) and reiterated the importance of sharing public-private sector best practices to advance trade. The governments agreed to use videoconference capabilities and in person meetings to exchange lessons learned and best practices, as each country develops and deploys their respective single window systems for international trade. This engagement will be initiated before the end of 2015.
They also expressed their intention to sign the Bilateral Memorandum of Intent (MOI) on Standards and Conformity Assessment in order to provide a more formal framework to support industry-led cooperation on standards and conformity assessment. Furthermore, the Leaders expressed their willingness to expand cooperation in the area of standards and conformity assessment by supporting initiatives that help eliminate obstacles to the growth of trade flows and bilateral investment. The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the completion of an Agreed Statement on Worksharing between the two national patent offices in order to improve efficiencies in the patent registration process.
The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the results of the ninth meeting of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum, held on June 18 and 19, in Brasilia, Brazil. On June 19, the private sector members of the CEO Forum delivered joint recommendations to the government co-chairs in the areas of Energy; Tax, Trade, and Investment; Aviation; Education and Innovation; Infrastructure; and Healthcare. The Presidents committed their governments to work with the private sector members of the CEO Forum and the business community broadly to consider and respond to the joint recommendations to advance U.S.-Brazil trade and investment ties. In this spirit, the Presidents committed to holding the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Relations under the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ATEC) in the second half of 2015.
The Presidents welcomed the growing partnership between both countries in agriculture. As the two largest food producing countries, the United States and Brazil are partners in feeding the world.
The United States and Brazil committed to working together to seek efficiencies and new technologies to meet the ever-growing demand for safe and sustainable food, and at the same time tackle climate change. As global leaders in the use of innovative agricultural production technologies, both countries share a commitment to science-based decision making.
The United States Department of Agriculture and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply are committed to working collaboratively to strengthen our already strong relationship. The partnership reflects mutual efforts toward overcoming differences, as well as a continued commitment to reducing barriers to agricultural trade.
Both Presidents, therefore, welcomed the imminent opening of fresh beef trade between the two countries. President Dilma Rousseff expressed her satisfaction with the publication of the American final rule. Brazil is also taking action to expand U.S. beef access in the near future.
The Presidents emphasized their commitment to expanding investment opportunities in infrastructure projects in both countries. Both leaders welcomed the participation of U.S. and Brazilian firms in modernizing each country’s national infrastructure networks, which will promote long-term economic growth. President Dilma Rousseff highlighted the recent launch of the new cycle of concessions for investment in Brazil’s infrastructure sector, which creates opportunities for U.S. companies in the $64 billion multi-year program.
The Presidents recognized the importance of trade facilitation and entry into force of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to increase global economic growth and prosperity. The TFA sets the path to fundamentally reform global customs practices; substantially reduce the costs and time associated with goods crossing borders, including those in transit; promote cooperation and automated border procedures; and improve the transparency and predictability of trade and doing business. The Presidents reaffirmed their support for ratification of the TFA at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in December.
The Leaders reiterated both countries’ commitment to the Multilateral Trading System. They shared the belief that the time is now for WTO Members to come together on a pathway to conclude the Doha Development Agenda.
The Heads of State reiterated their commitment to implementing reforms in international financial institutions to adequately reflect the increasing economic weight of emerging market and developing economies.
The Heads of State welcomed the renewal of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences, which will address the Brazilian exporters’ interest in preferential access to the US market, while at the same time supporting U.S. jobs, helping to keep American manufacturers competitive, and benefit American families by lowering prices on many consumer goods.
Increasing People to People Ties and Fostering Partnerships through Travel Facilitation, Education, Energy, Science and Technology, and Innovation
The Presidents reviewed the implementation of measures that facilitate the flow of tourists and business executives between the two countries, including the increasing flight frequencies that have resulted from the signing of the March 2011 United States-Brazil Air Transport Agreement. They praised the results achieved by their respective consular offices in reducing the time necessary to process and grant visas.
The Heads of State expressed satisfaction with the decision by the Brazilian government to participate in the “Global Entry” program. They also expressed their commitment to take the necessary steps to implement Brazil’s participation in the “Global Entry” program by the end of the first half of 2016.
The Presidents committed to work closely together to meet the requirements of both the United States Visa Waiver Program and Brazil’s applicable legislation to enable American and Brazilian citizens visa free travel.
The Presidents welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Social Security, which will allow foreign nationals who work in the each country to have their Social Security contributions in both countries recognized. The Agreement will produce economic gains to companies in both countries, as it helps avoid double contribution to the two Social Security systems. With trade and investment rapidly growing between our two countries, it is estimated that this agreement will save U.S. and Brazilian companies more than $900 million over the first six years.
The Presidents singled out education as a key factor in creating more equitable and prosperous societies and highlighted its strategic role within our bilateral cooperation.
The Leaders recognized that technological innovations and the need for qualified technical professionals require ongoing improvements in career and technical education. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the United States and Brazil on career and technical education, which aims to promote increased collaboration among education institutions in both countries.
The Heads of State welcomed the increased academic mobility of students from both countries, encouraged by initiatives such as the 100,000 Strong in the Americas and Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (Ciência sem Fronteiras), and reiterated the importance of private sector engagement in these initiatives.
The Presidents praised the exponential rise in academic cooperation through the “Ciência sem Fronteiras” program, which has allowed 32,716 students coming from 596 institutions in every Brazilian region to study in 742 American institutions between 2011 and 2015, and enabled 98 young scientists and 280 researchers from the United States, especially in the areas of engineering and other technological fields, to go to Brazil.
The EducationUSA network throughout Brazil actively supports the Brazil Scientific Mobility Initiative by making it easier for Brazilian students to select the United States as the top destination for program participants. EducationUSA partners with the United States Embassy and Consulates throughout Brazil to support the special visa processing days and pre-departure orientations.
The Presidents recognized the importance of the renewal of the Strategic Energy Dialogue and the decision to organize the third meeting of the Dialogue on October 8-9, 2015 in Washington, D.C. The Leaders endorsed cooperation in the following priority areas: oil and natural gas, biofuels, renewable energy, energy efficiency, civil nuclear energy, and energy-related science. The Presidents underscored the importance of enhancing the levels of clean and renewable energy in their respective energy mixes and improving energy efficiency.
The Heads of State recognized the role that biofuels can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They expressed their commitment to cooperate to further the development of biofuels for aviation. They also agreed that the Dialogue would explore new engagements focused on improving vehicle efficiency and overall energy management. They encouraged greater cooperation with the private sector in the Strategic Energy Dialogue to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, and the exploration - with commercial agencies of both countries - of a potential United States-Brazil Clean Energy Forum to facilitate cooperation and dialogue among government, business, academia, and civil society.
The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the results achieved at the Fourth Meeting of the United States-Brazil Joint Commission on Science and Technology Cooperation, and welcomed the Committee’s agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation in disaster management and response, natural resources management and ecosystems research, clean energy and energy efficiency systems, high-energy physics, synchrotron light sources, biomedicine, health, and innovation, in addition to exploring future collaborative opportunities in information and communication technologies. The Presidents also encouraged further cooperation in formal and informal science, technology, education, and mathematics (STEM) education and promotion.
The Presidents underscored the importance of manufacturing sector competitiveness to their respective economies, and noted the key role of innovation in achieving this objective. They therefore agreed to begin a dialogue on manufacturing innovation and, as a first step, the United States invited Brazil to send a delegation to Youngstown, Ohio to learn from the United States’s experience with the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). The Presidents welcome collaboration between the public and private sectors, including those spurred by the Council for Competitiveness and Brazil Partners through the Fourth United States-Brazil Innovation Conference, scheduled for 2016 in California.
The Presidents reaffirmed their interest in enhancing the dialogue on environmental issues to promote sustainable development in both countries. The two sides will strengthen their cooperation on solutions to forest fires in tropical areas, exchange of successful experiences and information technology for tracking and managing forest fires, as well as scientific and expert training activities.
The two sides decided to advance the implementation of existing arrangements, including the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Brazilian Ministry of Environment, which gives priority to collaboration on the environmentally sensitive development of unconventional oil and gas; methodologies and instruments of environmental impact assessment, licensing, and risk management; socially inclusive management of solid waste and sustainable management of water resources. The two sides acknowledged ongoing partnerships aimed at information sharing and technical training on water quality. They are committed to expanding the technical cooperation agenda on matters related to water security and the impact of climate change on water management.
Strengthening Global, Multilateral, and Regional Cooperation
The Presidents shared their views on international issues of mutual concern and discussed collaborating to respond to global and regional challenges. Recognizing that the Global Partnership Dialogue (GPD) is a key mechanism for the United States and Brazil to share opinions, identify points of agreement, and define strategic priorities for consistent bilateral engagement, the two leaders agreed the next meeting of the Global Partnership Dialogue would take place in the latter half of 2015.
The Presidents decided to initiate a human rights working group under the aegis of the Global Partnership Dialogue. The objective of the Dialogue is to exchange views and intensify efforts to strengthen multilateral human rights institutions. The Presidents also noted the importance of relying on independent, multilateral monitoring mechanisms to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of international efforts to promote and defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Presidents concurred that just as other international organizations have had to change to be more responsive to the challenges of the 21st century, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) also needs to be reformed, and expressed their support for a modest expansion of the Security Council that improves its effectiveness and efficiency, as well as its representativeness. President Obama reaffirmed his appreciation for Brazil’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the Security Council and acknowledged its assumption of global responsibilities.
In assessing the outcome of the IX Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, concluded on May 22 in New York, the Heads of State reaffirmed the need for progress toward a world free of nuclear weapons, in peace and security, and reiterated their Governments´ strong determination to support practical international efforts on disarmament, non-proliferation, and cooperation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. They expressed support for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty as soon as possible.
They decided to intensify their multilateral cooperation in the fields of nuclear disarmament verification, physical protection, nuclear security, and in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The United States and Brazil share the understanding that global Internet governance must be transparent and inclusive, ensuring full participation of governments, civil society, private sector and international organizations, so that the potential of the Internet as a powerful tool for economic and social development can be fulfilled.
Both countries acknowledge the agenda approved by Netmundial conference (São Paulo, April 2014) as a guide for discussions regarding the future of the global internet governance system.
Both countries reaffirm their adherence to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance and, in this context, reaffirm their commitment to cooperate for the success of the Tenth Internet Governance Forum (João Pessoa, November 10 to 13, 2015), and extension of the IGF mandate.
Likewise, they reaffirm their interest in participating actively in the preparatory process of the High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly for the Ten-Year Review of the WSIS outcomes, to be held in New York in December 2015.
Bilateral cooperation on cyber issues will be resumed by the convening of the Second Meeting of the Working Group on Internet and Information and Communications Technology in Brasilia in the second semester. The meeting will offer the opportunity of exchanging experiences and exploring possibilities for cooperation in a number of key areas, including e-government, the digital economy, cybersecurity, cybercrime prevention, capacity building activities, international security in cyberspace, and research, development, and innovation.
The Presidents also praised the fruitful bilateral cooperation in the organization of major sporting events under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Support Major Global and Sporting Events, signed on the occasion of the visit of the U.S. president to Brazil in 2011.
President Barack Obama congratulated President Dilma Rousseff on Brazil’s successful 2014 World Cup and on the first World Games of Indigenous Peoples, in Palmas, in the state of Tocantins in 2015. President Obama thanked President Rousseff for her kind invitation to attend the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The Presidents underscored their joint commitment to deepening economic engagement with Africa at a pivotal time in the continent’s development. They renewed their commitment to working cooperatively, including through multilateral institutions, to support progress toward Africa’s prosperity, peace and security, and commitment to democracy and good governance.
The Presidents highlighted the successful outcomes achieved in joint projects for development in Latin America, the Caribbean, and especially Africa, and expressed their intention to expand initiatives in food security, agriculture, health, energy, public safety, dignified work, and humanitarian assistance. They agreed to continue nutrition and food security projects in Honduras, Mozambique, and Haiti, and to expand ongoing cooperation in Mozambique.
The Presidents recognized the importance of the Organization of American States in defending and promoting democratic governance and human rights. They congratulated Luis Almagro, the new secretary general, and committed to working with him to revitalize the organization to more effectively help member states meet hemispheric challenges, and as a partner in helping member states deliver improvements in the lives of their citizens.
In an increasingly complex world, with major challenges to international security, the Presidents noted with satisfaction that the Americas stand out as a region where democracy, peace, and cooperation prevail. President Rousseff praised President Obama’s policy changes towards Cuba, and the Leaders agreed that the latest Summit of the Americas (held in Panama, on April 10 and 11, 2015) demonstrated the region’s capacity to overcome the differences of the past through dialogue, thereby paving the way for the region as a whole to find solutions to the common challenges facing the countries of the Americas. The Presidents recognized the efforts of Brazil and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to promote political dialogue in Venezuela and the holding of credible, transparent and internationally monitored legislative elections in December.
With regard to Syria, the Presidents agreed that only a negotiated and inclusive political solution can end the suffering of the Syrian people and allow them to fulfill their legitimate aspirations.
The Presidents reiterated the need to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace agreement that results in an independent, contiguous Palestinian state coexisting in peace and security alongside Israel. They reaffirmed the urgent need for the parties to demonstrate – through actions and policies – genuine advancement of a two-state solution.
The Presidents condemned terrorism in the strongest terms, while sharing the view that countering violent extremism that fuels this scourge requires a comprehensive approach to address communities that may be at risk of radicalization and recruitment by terrorist groups. Noting the ongoing violence in Iraq and Syria as well as recent attacks by terrorists in Tunisia, France, Kuwait, and yesterday in Egypt, the Presidents agreed that violent extremism can take many forms and often targets some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Leaders in every nation must work together to implement comprehensive approaches and to prevent violent extremist ideologies from taking hold.
Strengthening Defense and Security Cooperation
The Presidents welcomed the entry into force of the Defense Cooperation Agreement, which provides an institutional framework for defense cooperation, as well as that of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which will allow for a greater flow of information, goods, services, and technologies to advance the security of both countries. Collectively, these two agreements will deepen our defense relationship.
The Presidents also welcomed the results achieved on the occasion of the first meeting of the Defense Cooperation Dialogue (DCD) in 2012, when new opportunities for bilateral and global defense cooperation were identified, and decided the DCD and Political-Military Talks should be re-established.
The Presidents underscored the importance of the growing engagement between the private sectors of their countries in joint projects in the defense sector, an extension of the countries’ long-term interest in strengthening relations in strategic sectors.
Expressing their great concern with the global drug problem, the Presidents stressed the priority given to the effort in fighting this scourge with an emphasis on public health and respect for human rights. As such, they decided to expand the exchange of national experiences, particularly those aimed at reducing drug use and providing treatment and social rehabilitation for addicts.
The Leaders decided to explore bilateral or trilateral initiatives to combat transnational crimes, including through the Working Group on Security and Transnational Crimes.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/06/30/joint-communique-president-barack-obama-and-president-dilma-rousseff
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Obama, Rousseff agree to improve trade, travel
Jun 30, 2015 | Reuters
By Roberta Rampton and Idrees Ali
President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff met at the White House on Tuesday, a visit aimed at bolstering economic ties and turning the page on a spying scandal.
The presidents agreed to a series of steps to make it easier for people and goods to move between the two countries, including reopening fresh beef trade, the White House said in a statement.
The two leaders were scheduled to hold a news conference at 12:05 p.m. EDT.
Rousseff originally had accepted Obama's invitation for a formal state visit in October 2013, but skipped that visit after revelations from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that the United States had spied on Rousseff and other Brazilians.
There was no sign of remaining tension when Rousseff arrived in Washington on Monday. Obama greeted her with a hug, then took her into his motorcade for an impromptu visit to a memorial for civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
"This is the stone of hope," Obama told her, and pointed out King's most famous quotes inscribed in the monument's wall.
The two leaders then met for a working dinner at the White House.
In a sign the two leaders have put the Snowden affair behind them, the presidents agreed that the two countries will resume cooperation on cyber issues, with a meeting planned in Brasilia.
The meeting will cover "e-government, the digital economy, cyber security, cybercrime prevention," the statement said.
They also agreed to take steps so that Americans and Brazilians can travel between the two countries without visas, and to allow Brazilians to apply for expedited "Global Entry" clearance when visiting the United States in early 2016.
On the environment, the two countries agreed to increase their share of renewable energy in electricity generation from sources other than hydro-power to 20 percent by 2030. This comes before a major climate change conference in Paris in December and has been one of Obama’s priorities.
The visit is particularly important for Brazil, which is in the midst of a sharp economic downturn, a huge political corruption scandal, and a potential governance crisis.
Rousseff wants to attract more U.S. investment to Brazil and funding for infrastructure projects.
Rousseff said Brazil will welcome U.S. companies to invest in a multi-year $64 billion infrastructure program.
The two leaders agreed to cooperate on patent registrations and standards systems, they said in their joint statement.
They also agreed to recognize social security contributions made by their citizens to each other's programs.
After Washington, Rousseff will head to Silicon Valley to meet with executives at Google <GOOGL.O>, Apple <AAPL.O> and Facebook <FB.O>.
In a visit to New York on Monday, Rousseff denied her campaign had received illegal donations in a scandal involving kickbacks allegedly paid by construction companies to politicians and former executives at state-run oil firm Petrobras
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/latestnews/2015/06/30/Obama-Rousseff-agree-improve-trade-travel-joint-statement
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Barack Obama, Dilma Rousseff Announce Climate Commitments Ahead Of Paris Conference
Jun 30, 2015 | The Latin Times
By Cedar Attanasio
The Presidents of Brazil and the U.S. announced a joint effort on Tuesday to combat global climate change through a variety of strategies, including the increased use of renewable energy and a self-imposed caps on emissions. Both presidents promised to double or triple their current renewable energy production (excluding hydropower). Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff pledged to crack down on illegal logging, stop deforestation and restore 30 million acres of the Amazon, whose rainforest is a major sequester of carbon.
The U.S. calls the goals of both countries “ambitious,” stressing its own commitment to reduce emissions below 2005 levels by 26 to 28 percent. Obama’s ability to reduce emissions relies heavily on the Environmental Protection Agency which, despite a recent chastising by the Supreme Court over mercury regulation, says it’s fully able to roll out new climate rules. Brazil is expected to release its own specific climate plan later this year, ahead of the Paris climate negotiations in December. In addition to protecting forests and increasing renewable power, the country is likely to include targets for reducing emissions in its massive agriculture industry.ADVERTISING
Some change activists were quick to point out that Rousseff and Obama’s proposals are not enough to prevent a significant rise in global temperatures, even if executed precisely.
“Stating that Brazil will ‘pursue’ policies aimed at eliminating illegal deforestation is nothing short of ridiculous. [...] This is an offense to common sense and to what Brazil has already shown it’s capable of on controlling deforestation”, said Carlos Rittl, Executive Secretary of Observatório do Clima, a Brazilian advocacy group. “We must recall that all other tropical countries have already committed themselves to zero deforestation by 2030”, he added.
Other climate advocacy groups called the Brazil and U.S. announcements positive “momentum” ahead of the December Paris talks. They hope for a more ambitious final plan from Brazil ahead of the talks. Furthering hopes of significant action on climate change, China also released plans to curb emissions, pledging to cap them by 2030.
In addition to climate change, Obama and Rousseff discussed security concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and the fallout from Greece’s financial crisis. It was the first official visit from Rousseff to the U.S. after she canceled a trip last year because of the NSA spying scandal.
"The change is particularly due to the fact that President Obama and the U.S. government have stated on several occasions that they would no longer engage in intrusive acts of spying on friendly countries,” Rousseff said in a press conference concluding her visit to the White House. “I believe President Obama. And furthermore, he told me that, you know, if he needed — should he ever need nonpublic information about Brazil, he would just pick up the phone and call me."
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Obama, Rousseff turn page on spy spat, work on trade, travel
Jun 30, 2015 | Reuters
By Roberta Rampton
President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff used a White House visit on Tuesday to turn the page on a spying scandal that had damaged bilateral relations and said they want to work to bolster economic ties.
The presidents agreed to a series of steps to make it easier for people and goods to move between the two countries, including reopening fresh beef trade.
During an hour-long press conference, Rousseff said "things have changed" since October 2013, when she canceled an official state visit after revelations from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that the United States had spied on her.
"The change is particularly due to the fact that President Obama and the U.S. government have stated on several occasions that they would no longer engage in intrusive acts of spying on friendly countries. I believe President Obama," Rousseff said.
Obama praised Brazil during Tuesday's press conference as a "global power" and an "indispensable partner" playing a critical role in addressing climate change with a deal to boost renewable power production.
On Rousseff: "I trust her completely," Obama said. "She's always been very candid and frank with me about the interests of the Brazilian people and how we can work together. She's delivered on what she's promised."
The presidents agreed that the two countries will resume cooperation on cyber issues, with a meeting planned in Brasilia.
They also agreed to take steps so that Americans and Brazilians can travel between the two countries without visas, and to allow Brazilians to apply for expedited "Global Entry" clearance when visiting the United States in early 2016.
The visit is particularly important for Brazil, which is in the midst of a sharp economic downturn, a huge political corruption scandal, and a potential governance crisis.
Rousseff vowed that Brazil will "overcome" its current crisis and resume growth, and said she wants to attract more U.S. investment to Brazil and funding for infrastructure projects.
She later said she wanted to open Brazil's economy more in a speech for the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. Brazil has one of the world's most closed economies because of high import tariffs and other trade barriers. The government is working to improve the business climate and simplify its tax code, she added.
Obama and Rousseff agreed to cooperate on patent registrations and standards systems, and also agreed to recognize social security contributions made by their citizens to each other's programs.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/30/us-usa-brazil-statement-idUSKCN0PA25620150630
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Brazil Tries To Rebuild Relations With U.S. After NSA Spying Scandal
Jun 30, 2015 | NPR
By Jackie Northam
It's rare that a world leader will cancel a planned state visit to the White House, but that's what happened two years ago when Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff found out that the U.S. had been spying on her and her top aides.
The Brazilian leader is now trying to let bygones be bygones, and is in Washington, D.C., to visit with President Obama.
Rousseff's decision to cancel the state visit — with its formal dinners and high-profile meetings — threw a strong and robust bilateral relationship into disarray, says Eric Farnsworth of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society.
"It's been very clear that the United States has been anxious to move beyond that," Farnsworth says. "Vice President Biden in particular has been in direct contact with President Rousseff and senior members of her team for a long time."
And after two years, the offer to visit Washington, D.C., was made again, says Paulo Sotero, director of the Brazil Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center.
"Actually, President Obama offered President Dilma to come here on a state visit if she could wait until next year because the White House does just a limited number of those visits," Sotero says. "But she declined and asked to come now because she needs to come now."
A lot has happened since Rousseff took a hard stand against the Obama administration in 2013. Back then, things were much better for her and Brazil. Rousseff needs this visit to help her domestically, says Jason Marczak of the Atlantic Council.
"Her popularity is at about 10 percent right now, 65 percent of Brazilians think she's doing a bad or terrible job, inflation is approaching 9 percent, they've been implementing a series of austerity measures. So for her, one of the top priorities is going to be how do I come home with some economic wins," Marczak says.
The U.S. is also looking for something from this visit. "From the White House perspective this is a chance to really re-energize a very important relationship that frankly has been on ice for the last two years," says the Council of the Americas and Americas Society's Eric Farnsworth says.
He adds the U.S. is looking for bilateral trade and investment.
China has overtaken the U.S. as Brazil's largest trading partner. And a renewed relationship offers the chance to build on issues such as climate change, says the Atlantic Council's Marczak.
"This is a real priority for the Obama administration," Marczak says. "Brazil is obviously not the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter but it's one of the top 10 and the Brazilian case there is an opportunity for agreement on deforestation issues in the Amazon which is one of the big challenges."
Rousseff will also travel to New York to meet with investment bankers before heading to Silicon Valley to drum up business for Brazil's information technology industry.
http://www.npr.org/2015/06/30/418776095/brazil-s-president-in-washington-to-patch-up-relationship-with-obama
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President Obama Reflects on His 'Best Week'
Jun 30, 2015 | National Journal
By Marina Koren and Matt Berman
Was last week President Obama's best week ever?
That's the crux of a question the president took on on Tuesday at a joint press conference with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. His answer started out a little cheesy.
"My best week, I will tell you, was marrying Michelle," the president said. "That was a really good week. Malia and Sasha being born, excellent weeks. There was a game where I scored 27 points. That was a pretty good week. I've had some good weeks in my life, I will tell you."
But the president did acknowledge that last week was "gratifying."
A recap of Obama's "best week ever": Congress gave him the authority to negotiate trade deals he had spent weeks rallying support for in both parties. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Affordable Care Act and then in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. He received extensive praise for his eulogy at an emotional funeral for one of the Charleston church shooting victims. Obama's winning streak ended Monday when the Court ruled against Environmental Protection Agency regulations to limit air pollutants from power plants, but the president had an impressive run.
Obama spoke specifically about the White House's celebration Friday after the marriage ruling: lighting the president's residence in rainbow colors. To see people gathered outside the executive mansion that night, Obama said, to see them "feel whole, and to feel accepted, and to feel that they had a right to love? That was cool. That was a good thing."
"In many ways," Obama said, "last week was the culmination of a lot of work we've been doing since I came into office." When asked what he would do with any refreshed political capital he may have gained, the president pointed to some potential priorities: the overtime pay ruleshe's set to announce, bipartisan work on building up America's infrastructure, bipartisan work on criminal-justice reform, and more work on job-training packages.
"I might see if we can make next week even better," he said.
There's one thing that could potentially get in the way of that, however.
Greece is rapidly running out of money and threatening an economic crisis in Europe. But the economic results of the devastating default will not be seriously felt by Americans, Obama said Tuesday.
The president said the financial crisis is "of substantial concern" and ultimately "of concern to Europe."
"Essentially what you have here is a country that has gone through some very difficult economic times, needs to find a path towards growth and a path to stay in the eurozone," he said. "And what we've been encouraging both the Greek government and our European partners to do is to continue to negotiate and find a pathway towards a resolution.
What happens next will not shake the economic situation in the United States, he said.
"In layman terms for the American people, this is not something that we believe will have a major shock to the system," Obama said. "But obviously it's very painful for the Greek people. And it can have a significant effect on growth rates in Europe. And if Europe's not growing the way it needs to grow, it has an impact on us, it has an impact on Brazil. ... It can have a dampening effect on the entire world economy."
http://www.nationaljournal.com/white-house/president-obama-gay-marriage-obamacare-supreme-court-scotus-best-week-20150630
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Jul 1, 2015 | Market Watch
By Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide, applauds the commitment by U.S. President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to incorporate Brazil into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry program. This announcement came following the meeting between the two presidents in Washington where they discussed bilateral cooperation, including expansion of trade and investment between the two countries.
In a joint statement, the Heads of State announced the decision by the Brazilian government to participate in the “Global Entry” program. The Presidents committed to work closely together to meet the requirements of both the United States Visa Waiver Program and Brazil’s applicable legislation to enable American and Brazilian citizens visa-free travel.
The Global Entry program makes it easier for Brazilians to travel to the United States by providing expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers, an important step to the eventual entry of Brazil into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as part of a U.S.-Brazil Trusted Traveler Program. The VWP would further facilitate travel between the U.S. and Brazil by eliminating the need to secure travel visas for temporary visits between the two countries.
“At Hilton Worldwide, we embrace efforts to increase hassle-free, safe travel between countries,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide. “Making it easier for business travelers to travel between the United States and Brazil could lead to record-breaking trade and investment opportunities in both countries, including in the hospitality industry.”
In 2014, over 2.3 million Brazilians visited the U.S., generating $13.1 billion in travel spending and supporting 75,000 American jobs. A U.S.-Brazil Trusted Traveler Program including Global Entry and the VWP has the potential to significantly increase the contribution Brazil, with a population of 200 million, has on the U.S. economy. These measures could also have a sizable economic impact within Brazil, which is seeking additional foreign business and investment as it prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide HLT, -0.47% is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The Company's portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,350 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 720,000 rooms in 94 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The Company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.
View source version on businesswire.com:http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150701006170/en/
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Travel Industry Urges Inclusion of Brazil in Visa Waiver, Global Entry Program
Jul 1, 2015 | Successful Meetings
By Matt Alderton
Expanding the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to Brazil would attract nearly 650,000 additional annual visitors to the United States and generate an additional $7.6 billion for the U.S. economy, bringing total international visitation and economic output to more than 3 million and $35.4 billion, respectively, in 2015, according to the U.S. Travel Association, which yesterday issued astatement urging President Barack Obama to discuss VWP expansion -- as well as expansion of the Global Entry Program -- during meetings this week with Brazil President Dilma Rousseff.
The VWP enables international travelers from approved countries to enter the United States without a visa. The Global Entry program, meanwhile, expedites entry for preapproved, low-risk international travelers originating from approved countries.
"The VWP helps keep our country secure while facilitating international travel that adds billions in economic output and supports nearly one million jobs," said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. "Brazil represents a crucial travel market, with both strong demand and financial means for international travel. Admitting Brazil to the VWP would generate record-breaking levels of reciprocal travel and positively impact the economy of both countries."
According to U.S. Travel, countries participating in the VWP are the largest source of international travel to the United States, generating more than 20.3 million travelers and $190 billion in economic output in 2014 alone.
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