They lay both in the international and in the regional or hemispheric fronts. At the outset of a new millenium, Brazil has a unique identity in the international system. Brazil is perhaps a monster, but certainly is not a threatening one. This designation takes into account not only geographic and demographic data, but also economic and political data and the magnitude of the problems and challenges encountered by these countries. Brazil is, of course, very different from China and India, which have cultural heritages that go back thousands of years, as well as from Russia, which lies midway between Asia and Europe and has a relevant and centuries-old presence in the culture and politics of Europe and the United States.
Brazil believes it has the credentials to play a growing role on the international scene.
We start with a tradition of tolerance and ethnic, cultural and religious integration, which, besides its diplomatic importance, is one of the most characteristic components of our national and international identity. Territorially, as huge as the continental as the United States, Brazil has the dimensions of several Europes, but is united by the same language and is the most racially integrated country in the world. Brazil also has a strong tradition of international cooperation and of active participation in multilateral organizations. We are one of the few developing countries with global interests and an international presence. Brazil's relations with its neighbors have always been a priority for our diplomacy.