During a summit in Brasília, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva focused on the theme of "better lives for more people." Both leaders share a background as former child laborers, having faced challenges in the workplace and political struggles. President Lula lost his left pinky finger while working in a metal factory at age 19, while President Lee also suffered an arm injury during his youth.
On July 27, during his state visit to Brazil, President Lee met with President Lula at the Palácio da Alvorada for both small and expanded meetings. The discussions began at 11:08 a.m. and lasted approximately 140 minutes, followed by a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding and a joint press conference.
In the joint press conference, President Lee emphasized their shared life experiences before discussing the summit's outcomes. He stated, "Just as the President is missing a finger on his left hand, I also injured my left hand while working in a factory as a child. This does not hinder our work for the people of the world but reminds us of our duty to help more people live better lives." He added, "I hope that both the President and I can continue to work together for the better lives of more people without losing our identities as workers. I wish for both South Korea and Brazil to become happier nations for all citizens."
On July 28, President Lee plans to visit the metalworkers' union office in São Paulo, where President Lula was active as a labor leader. He remarked, "I will reflect on my presidential dreams in a place that has not forgotten the realities of workers and has worked for a better life for everyone."
President Lula noted that both leaders not only share a worker background but also have overcome political crises to protect democracy. They agreed on the need to defend democracy against extremist attacks.
This meeting marks the fifth encounter between the two leaders since President Lee took office. They first met at the G7 summit in Canada in June 2022, followed by a meeting at the G20 summit in South Africa later that year. In February 2023, President Lula visited South Korea, elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. After reuniting at the G7 summit in Évian last month, President Lee is now reciprocating with a visit to Brazil.
The Brazilian government chose the Palácio da Alvorada, the presidential residence, as the meeting venue instead of the official office, demonstrating special respect. President Lee expressed his gratitude, noting that he is the fourth foreign leader to be welcomed at the residence, following Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former French President Jacques Chirac.
To enhance cooperation between the two nations, a new communication system has been established. The Brazilian Vice President and South Korea's Chief Policy Officer, Kim Yong-beom, will lead a high-level channel for direct discussions on bilateral issues.
President Lee stated, "We will deepen cooperation and exchanges in all areas, including economy, industry, security, and culture between South Korea and Brazil, and ensure rapid progress." In the economic sector, the newly launched Economic and Trade Committee will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, aerospace, critical minerals, and the digital economy. The signed memorandum of understanding on industrial technology will promote joint research and development in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding, batteries, bioeconomy, and industrial decarbonization.
Cooperation on critical mineral supply chains will be further developed, combining Brazil's resources with South Korea's manufacturing and processing technologies. Both countries will collaborate on mineral exploration, development, processing, and utilization through subsequent discussions.
In defense, a joint defense committee will be established in the second half of this year. An agreement on the protection and exchange of military and defense confidential information will also be pursued to create a stable institutional framework for cooperation between defense companies.
Brazilian C-390 transport aircraft, set to be introduced into the South Korean Air Force by the end of this year, will include parts produced by South Korean companies. The leaders view this as a case of joint production and industrial cooperation rather than a simple arms purchase, and they plan to expand collaboration into future aviation mobility.
In the space sector, procedures for launching private rockets will be streamlined, and satellite data and space exploration technologies will be shared. President Lula invited President Lee to the scheduled rocket launch at Brazil's Alcântara launch site in September. President Lee responded that he would confirm the launch process, even if he could not attend in person.
Trade expansion was also a key topic during the discussions. The leaders identified the Korea-Mercosur trade agreement, which has seen no progress since 2021, as an urgent issue and agreed to review obstacles to resuming negotiations.
Discussions also included the entry of Brazilian beef and pork into the South Korean market. President Lula noted that after 17 years of negotiations, the South Korean quarantine inspection team is set to visit Brazil next month, marking significant progress toward market opening.
Five cooperation documents covering space, sports, education, energy, and industrial technology were signed in front of both leaders. Additionally, two memorandums of understanding in the fields of film and cybersecurity were signed, bringing the total agreements made during this state visit to seven.
In cultural discussions, the spread of Korean pop culture in Brazil was highlighted. President Lula remarked, "Brazilian youth love Korea," noting the growing popularity of Korean music, food, and dramas, as well as the animated series 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' among children.
After the joint press conference, the two leaders concluded their meeting by exchanging Brazilian-style greetings and Korean finger hearts. President Lee quoted a Brazilian proverb, saying, "Together we are stronger," and expressed hope that connecting the strengths of both nations could create new opportunities across the Pacific.
Earlier that day, at around 10:35 a.m., President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung arrived at the Palácio da Alvorada, escorted by six cavalry members. President Lula and First Lady Rosângela da Silva personally welcomed them at the red carpet.
After embracing, President Lee and President Lula showed their camaraderie by patting each other on the shoulder and holding hands during the welcome ceremony. The national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a march of the military band, riflemen, and cavalry. The two leaders and their spouses also enjoyed a choral performance prepared by the Brazilian side.
As they moved to the residence after the welcome ceremony, President Lula continued to engage in conversation with President Lee, linking arms. President Lee wrote in the guestbook, "I wish for the eternal friendship between South Korea and Brazil and a future of shared prosperity," signing it as '2026.7.27 President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.