The article deals with the institutional framework supporting the implementation of Fernando Henrique Cardoso's foreign policy. This policy, whose principles are well defined, has emphasized a continuing dialogue with other areas of the Government and with civil entities (business sector, social organizations and people in general), as well as an improvement in the transparency of the decision making process. The Foreign Affairs Ministry (Itamaraty) engaged itself in a modernization path in order to face the challenges of a new, globalized and democratized, society, whose interest in foreign policy issues is growing. These changes are oriented by the conviction that the institution has to improve its services to society, taking concrete actions to help Brazilian citizens in the country and abroad.
Brazil; Foreign policy; Ministry of Foreign Affairs