MANILA, Philippines — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in the Philippines on Friday, November 13, marking a historic milestone as the first sitting Brazilian leader to undertake an official state visit to the country.
The visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Brasília, which were formally established on July 4, 1946.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended the invitation for Lula to participate as the Guest of the Chair in the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, running from November 15 to 17.
Brazil currently serves as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and is looking to elevate its diplomatic standing with the regional bloc to a full Dialogue Partner status.
Deepening Bilateral Cooperation
Lula and Marcos are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). The meeting will center on strengthening cooperation within multilateral forums and among nations of the Global South.
Both leaders will also explore broader collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, defense, and technical assistance.
Malacañang emphasized that Brazil remains a vital partner as the Marcos administration broadens the Philippines’ strategic engagements across Latin America.