The renewal of the country's self-confidence and the earned respect from the international community were two important assets for the Brazilian diplomacy during President Fernando Henrique Cardoso's first term. Faced with the country's economic difficulties in the end of 1998 and beginning of 1999, diplomacy must keep in mind a long term view. Brazil will continue to be a "country that counts", which fundamentally depends on itself to develop. But the improvement of external conditions is also necessary. Brazil is willing to give its contribution to the discussions about changes in the international order. Brazilian foreign policy's priority is the creation of the utmost favourable external conditions for development. The foreign agenda of the country in 1999 - international financial crisis; industrialized countries' protectionism; regional integration (MERCOSUR, Andean Community, Mexico); FTAA; Latin America and the Caribbean-Europe Summit; agricultural negotiations and the WTO "Millennium Round"; image - has important consequences for national development.
Brazil; Diplomacy; Foreign policy