Ministério das Relações Exteriores do Brasil

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, also known as the Itamaraty, is the federal body responsible for designing and executing the country’s foreign policy. It maintains diplomatic relations with other states through a global network of embassies, consulates and permanent missions to international organisations. The ministry negotiates treaties, agreements and conventions that affect trade, security, human rights and environmental matters on behalf of the Brazilian state. It provides consular assistance to Brazilian citizens living or traveling abroad, including passport services, legal aid and emergency support. In addition, it promotes Brazil’s economic interests by facilitating export promotion, attracting foreign investment and supporting cultural exchange programmes. The ministry also represents Brazil in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and regional blocs like Mercosur and the Union of South American Nations. Its work involves continuous analysis of international developments to advise the President and other government bodies on external affairs. The organisation operates under the direct authority of the Presidency of the Republic and is staffed by career diplomats recruited through competitive examinations.

A notable distinguishing attribute of the ministry is its role as the central coordinator of Brazil’s diplomatic corps, ensuring a unified approach to external relations across all government agencies. As part of the federal executive branch, its headquarters are located in Brazil, reflecting its status as a sovereign state institution. The ministry’s organisational structure includes specialized departments for political affairs, economic affairs, legal matters, cultural affairs and consular services, each staffed by officials with expertise in their respective domains. In May 2017 the ministry was affected by a widespread ransomware campaign that targeted outdated Windows systems across multiple Brazilian government entities, including Petrobras and the social security agency. The attack prompted precautionary disconnections of computer networks and the temporary suspension of certain public services, although officials reported that no data was compromised and that intelligence archives remained secure. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of government institutions to cyber threats and underscored the importance of maintaining up‑to‑date security measures. The ministry continues to fulfill its mandate of advancing Brazil’s interests abroad while adapting to evolving technological and security challenges.