During a meeting in Hanoi on March 28 with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Vietnamese Party chief To Lam warmly welcomed President Lula da Silva on his return visit to Vietnam after 17 years.

The host leader affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam highly value Brazil as a leading partner in Vietnam’s overall foreign policy towards Latin America and look forward to deepening the newly established Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

He expressed his admiration and congratulations on the achievements of the Brazilian government and people under the leadership of President Lula da Silva and the Workers' Party (PT), which have improved living standards, promoted social justice, and enhanced Brazil’s international role and standing.

He outlined Vietnam’s development vision and priorities, including transitioning to a sustainable and innovation-driven growth model, enhancing economic competitiveness, resilience, and self-reliance, fostering science and technology, training high-quality human resources, building modern and synchronized economic and social infrastructure, and streamlining the political system to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The Party leader highly appreciated the outcomes of President Lula da Silva’s talks with President of Vietnam Luong Cuong, as well as the signing of the Vietnam-Brazil Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2025-2030, along with cooperation agreements in diplomacy, security, trade-industry, and football federations.

General Secretary To Lam discussed major directions and measures to further reinforce the friendship and deepen bilateral relations in a practical manner, maximizing each country’s strengths and potential.

He emphasized the cooperation potential between the two nations in various fields such as economy-trade, agriculture, energy, and defence, while highlighting the importance of intensifying exchanges and collaboration in education, culture, and sports to boost the strong bonds of friendship between their peoples.

President Lula da Silva expressed his pleasure at returning to Vietnam and thanked General Secretary To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders for their warm and hospitable reception. He reflected on his past involvement in movements supporting the Vietnamese people, recalled memorable moments from his 2008 visit to Vietnam, and congratulated the Communist Party, State, and people of Vietnam on the country’s remarkable progress in a multitude of aspects.

The Brazilian President affirmed that Vietnam is a close friend and an important partner of Brazil in Asia. He hailed the great strides in bilateral relations, particularly since his first presidential term in 2007, when the two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership.

He underscored the significance of elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership in November 2024 and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to working hand in hand with Vietnam to carry out this new framework, high-level agreements, as well as signed cooperation documents.

President Lula da Silva particularly stressed the need for both nations to continue discussions to identify specific goods and areas for mutually beneficial cooperation that correspond with their respective needs. He called for expanding bilateral trade towards the target of US$15 billion in the near future.

He also agreed to augment cooperation with Vietnam across all channels, including party-to-party and political organization exchanges, as well as locality-to-locality and people-to-people diplomacy, to serve as a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

The two leaders also reached a consensus on key directions to strengthen their Strategic Partnership at both bilateral and multilateral levels, emphasizing the effective implementation of signed cooperation agreements across various channels. These agreements provide a crucial foundation for unlocking the full potential of bilateral cooperation, while meeting the expectations of both sides.

General Secretary To Lam also welcomed Brazil’s decision to recognize Vietnam’s market economy status, which will facilitate bilateral trade. He suggested that both sides work together to accelerate negotiations for a preferential trade framework that connects Vietnam with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

State leader hosts official welcome ceremony for Brazilian President

VOV.VN - State President Luong Cuong hosted a state-level welcome ceremony for his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva on the morning of March 28 in Hanoi.

Brazil greatly values cooperation with Vietnam

VOV.VN - Vice President of the Brazilian Senate Eduardo Gomes has praised the growing trade ties between Vietnam and Brazil and proposed organizing an exhibition on Vietnam at the Senate.