October 24, 2025 | 07:38 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid a visit to the ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta on Friday, October 24, 2025, arriving at around 10:35 a.m. local time, according to Tempo's observation. His arrival was welcomed directly by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
"This marks the first time a Brazilian president visits ASEAN," said Lula during a press conference, adding that this serves as an important step to strengthen the relationship between Brazil and Southeast Asia.
Lula's visit to Jakarta is part of his Southeast Asia tour, in addition to responding to Indonesian President Prabowo's stop in Brazil last July.
A day before visiting the ASEAN headquarters, Lula met with Prabowo in Jakarta and led bilateral meetings between Indonesian and Brazilian delegations.
They witnessed the signing of eight cooperation MoUs in various sectors. After leaving Indonesia, Lula is scheduled to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit on October 26-28, in neighboring Malaysia.
Commitment to Bolster Multilateralism and Trade
In his statement, Lula stressed the importance of building a stronger global partnership. He said that Brazil cannot simply wait for others to offer cooperation. "We, as the interested party, must actively seek partners, offer what Brazil has, and accept what other countries can offer to us," he said.
Lula also underscored the necessity of strengthening the multilateral system to promote freer trade. "We need to strengthen multilateralism and the institutions that guarantee it, so the global economy becomes stronger, protectionism decreases, and makes for a more free trade," he said, adding that this became his primary goal for visiting Southeast Asia.
ASEAN-Brazil Cooperation and Global South Issues
Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn expressed appreciation for Brazil's commitment to strengthening cooperation since the ASEAN-Brazil Sectoral Dialogue Partnership was formed in 2022. Discussions focused on energy, food security, tourism, investment, sustainable development, and supporting the vision of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
Kao also praised Brazil's leadership in advocating for the interests of the countries of the Global South, especially through its role in BRICS and as the host of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP30.
In his statement, Lula also mentioned that Brazil is currently enjoying positive economic growth. "The last time Brazil posted growth above 3 percent was when I was president in 2010, and when I took office again, we grew above 3 percent for two consecutive years," he said.
But Lula believes that the trade relations between Brazil and Indonesia are not yet maximized.
"Good trade policies between the two countries should be mutually beneficial. We should buy and sell in balance so there is no significant deficit or surplus," he said.
According to him, with a population of around 250 million in Brazil and 280 million in Indonesia, a trade value of US$6.3 billion is still too small compared to the economic potential of both countries.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Apologizes for Missing Brazil COP30 in November
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia, Brazil to Jointly Develop Ethanol Fuel, Says Energy Minister
1 jam lalu
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil aims to implement E10 ethanol-blended fuel by 2027-2028.
Prabowo Assigns Hashim Djojohadikusumo to Brazil COP30 in November
7 jam lalu
President Prabowo has designated his brother, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, to lead the Indonesian delegation at COP30 in Brazil.
Indonesia and Brazil Forge Stronger Ties, Signing 8 MoUs Witnessed by Prabowo and Lula
12 jam lalu
President Prabowo and President Lula da Silva oversaw the signing of 8 MoUs and strategic cooperation deals between Indonesia and Brazil in Jakarta.
Prabowo to Attend 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian government will address efforts to strengthen ASEAN's relevance.
Indonesia and Brazil Seek "Ceasefire and Real Peace" for Palestine, Ukraine
1 hari lalu
Prabowo states that both countries want a ceasefire and real peace in Palestine and Ukraine.
Prabowo Says Economic Deal Potential with Brazil Valued at US$5 Billion
1 hari lalu
In addition to economic cooperation, Prabowo stated that Indonesia and Brazil agreed to enhance cooperation in technology and agriculture.
Prabowo Claims Indonesia Is the Fastest Country to Be Accepted into BRICS
1 hari lalu
Prabowo said that under the leadership of Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Indonesia was the fastest country to be accepted as a BRICS member.
Prabowo Jests with Lula da Silva About Presidential Term Limits
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo said that Brazilian regulations allow a president to serve three terms, a contrast to Indonesia's strict two-term limit.
Prabowo Invites Brazil President to Celebrate Shared October Birthdays Tonight
1 hari lalu
Both leaders have October birthdays, with Prabowo on October 17 and Lula da Silva on October 27.
Prabowo Apologizes for Missing Brazil COP30 in November
1 hari lalu
Prabowo stated that COP30 is an activity to gather investment funds to help preserve tropical forests.
