Lula praises Asia's strategic role and advocates for an expanded partnership between Brazil and Indonesia
In Jakarta, the president stated that Southeast Asia is a key part of Brazil's new foreign policy.
247 - During a state visit to Indonesia, President Lula stated that Asia plays a strategic role in Brazil's international repositioning and in building a new global order based on multilateralism and cooperation. "Asia has occupied a prominent place on my international agenda in 2025," declared the president, opening his speech in Jakarta alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Lula recalled that he was in Japan, Vietnam, and China in the first half of the year and that, after Indonesia, he will go to Malaysia, where he will participate in the ASEAN Summit. According to him, Southeast Asia "is one of the most dynamic regions on the planet," and Brazil's rapprochement with the countries of the region is "a fundamental step towards integration between the emerging economies of the Global South."
Strategic partnership and expanding trade.
The president highlighted that the partnership between Brazil and Indonesia, launched by him in 2008, remains increasingly relevant. "We are large democracies, vibrant societies, and expanding economies. We are full members of BRICS and the G20," he stated.
Lula highlighted the agreements signed in the areas of statistics, agriculture, energy, science, technology, and trade promotion. "Our trade has more than tripled in the last two decades, but it is still small compared to the potential of our countries," he said, citing the current volume of US$6,5 billion. The president stated that Brazil and Indonesia, together, have almost half a billion inhabitants and "need to become fundamental partners in the economic geography of the world."
Cooperation in defense, energy and the environment
Lula highlighted that Brazil possesses a solid defense industrial base and is ready to contribute to Indonesia's strategic needs, especially in the aeronautical sector. He also emphasized the importance of energy and mineral cooperation, noting that both countries have vast natural and forest resources and can lead the transition to low-carbon economies.
"The 21st century demands that we have the courage to change the way we act commercially, so that we don't become dependent on anyone," he stated, while proposing greater institutionalization of dialogue in mining and energy.
The president further reinforced the joint commitment to environmental protection, highlighting Indonesia's support for COP30 and the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), created by Brazil. "There is no sustainable development without overcoming hunger and poverty," he said, citing the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, launched under Brazil's presidency of the G20, and praising the Indonesian government's school feeding policy.
In defense of multilateralism and peace.
In a firm tone, Lula reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to multilateralism, peace, and the fight against protectionism. "Indonesia and Brazil do not want a second Cold War. We want free trade, commercial democracy, and no protectionism," he declared.
The president also condemned the genocide in Gaza and defended the two-state solution as the only possible path to peace in the Middle East. "Only a comprehensive reform of the Security Council can resolve its lack of representativeness and paralysis," he added.
Vitality and political future
Concluding his statement, Lula spoke about his energy and willingness to continue in public life. "I'm turning 80, but I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I'm going to run for a fourth term," he stated, drawing applause and laughter from those present.
The president concluded by saying that Brazil and Indonesia “will be as big as we want them to be,” and that he intends to intensify business exchange between the two countries. “A fair trade relationship is one in which both countries win,” he summarized.
In closing, Lula briefly mentioned the importance of moving forward with the discussion on trade in local currenciesreinforcing that "the 21st century demands the courage to change."
