Lula celebrates diplomatic marathon in Asia and highlights the strengthening of Brazil's relations with the region
President highlighted the success of the mission and the expansion of strategic partnerships in energy, technology and foreign trade
247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concluded on Monday (27) an intense diplomatic marathon through Indonesia and Malaysia, which included his unprecedented participation in the 47th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In a press conference given before returning to Brazil, Lula gave a positive assessment of the trip and stated that the country is experiencing a new moment of international prominence.
During his visit to both countries, the president signed agreements in areas such as semiconductors, science and technology, energy, sustainable agriculture, and innovation. The visit resulted in the opening of six new markets for Brazilian products and the signing of seven cooperation agreements with Malaysia, in addition to eight partnerships with Indonesia.
“This is another successful trip abroad for the Brazilian government. We have extraordinary potential in all areas to grow our relationship with Indonesia and Malaysia,” Lula stated. He highlighted the good relationship with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's enthusiasm for strengthening ties with Brazil.
Economic diplomacy and corporate presence
More than 100 Brazilian business leaders were part of the presidential delegation. Lula emphasized that his role is to pave the way, not to negotiate directly. “The president doesn't make deals, he opens doors. And the reception has been extraordinary. There's a great desire to get to know Brazil, to learn about the energy transition that Brazil is considering,” he said, highlighting that the country is an energy powerhouse with almost 90% of its electricity matrix being renewable.
Expansion of trade and investment
The president stated that the goal is to increase trade with East Asian countries, which currently amounts to around US$6 billion annually. "We have to grow our economy, increase foreign trade and attract investment. This can only be done by taking people by the hand, looking them in the eye and convincing them," he declared.
Trade between Brazil and ASEAN jumped from US$3 billion in 2002 to US$37 billion in 2024, a 12-fold increase.
Bilateral meetings and diplomatic progress
Lula also held bilateral meetings with leaders from Vietnam, Singapore, and the United States. With Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, he discussed the goal of increasing trade flows to US$15 billion by 2030 and a future economic cooperation agreement with Mercosur.
In Singapore, he met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, with whom he discussed topics such as innovation, the green economy, and decarbonization. He also spoke with US President Donald Trump about the suspension of tariffs on Brazilian exports. According to Lula, the meeting was "frank and constructive" and reinforced the commitment to deepening economic dialogue between the two countries.
International recognition and regaining prominence
During the trip, the president received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Malaysia, in recognition of his political career and his fight against hunger and inequality.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted that this was the first visit by a Brazilian head of state to Malaysia in 30 years. The minister celebrated Malaysia's support for Brazil's candidacy for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and emphasized the importance of the agreement with the semiconductor industry.
"Active and assertive": the return of Brazilian diplomacy
Lula celebrated the unprecedented invitation to participate in the ASEAN Summit as proof of Brazil's new position on the global stage. "I was the first president of Brazil to participate in the G7, the European Union meeting with CELAC, the African Union, and now ASEAN, which are 11 countries with great affinity with Brazil," he stated.
According to the president, this presence reinforces the country's "active and assertive" foreign policy, focused on diversifying partnerships, strengthening multilateralism, and defending free trade.
With its diplomatic marathon across East Asia, the Brazilian government is consolidating a policy of closer ties with strategic regions, opening up opportunities for economic, technological, and environmental cooperation that repositions Brazil as a key player on the international stage.
