October 24, 2025 | 08:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, 24 October 2025, marking the first for a Brazilian head of state. The visit signifies the growing importance of the relationship between the two parties since the designation as Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 2022.
Lula was welcomed directly by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn. In the meeting, both leaders engaged in talks about cooperation in energy, food security, investment, tourism, and sustainable development sectors.
Kao lauded Brazil's leadership in advocating the interests of Global South countries and highlighted Brazil's active role leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.
Ready to Meet Trump at ASEAN Summit
In a press conference at the ASEAN HQ, Lula da Silva ensured that he will meet with US President Donald Trump at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, which will commence on October 26-28, 2025. The meeting, Lula said, is an important opportunity to improve bilateral relations after a period of trade and political tensions between the two countries.
"I will have the opportunity to meet with ten countries, now eleven, because East Timor will join. Every time we meet with heads of state, it is always important to get closer," said Lula.
According to Lula, the meeting with Trump will give space to resolve several unresolved trade issues, including the 50 percent tariff the US imposed on Brazilian products. "I want to prove with numbers that there is a mistake in the tax policy towards Brazil," he said, adding that he will touch on sanctions against several Brazilian ministers who are deemed lacking a clear legal basis.
Lula acknowledged that diplomatic communication between the two countries was delayed after a phone call from Trump to Brasilia, but now both parties are ready to continue the dialogue constructively.
"There was a little hitch after the phone call from President Trump, but we are moving to prove that there are no differences that cannot be resolved when two people sit comfortably at the same table," he said.
Open Dialogue with the US
Lula mentioned that the upcoming meeting with the United States will cover various topics. "There is no veto on any topic. We can discuss anything, from Gaza to Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, critical minerals, and rare resources," he said.
At the meeting in Malaysia, Lula will be accompanied by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, and Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
Lula emphasized his commitment to advocate for Brazil's interests and strengthen the relationship with the United States. "I believe this meeting will be good for President Trump and good for Brazil," he said.
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