PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on the first day of his state visit in Manila.
Lula was also welcomed by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Secretaries Theresa Lazaro, Kiko Tiu Laurel Jr., Rex Gatchalian, Cristina Roque, and Assistant Secretary Rhenita Rodriguez.
During their meeting, Marcos welcomed Lula to Manila and congratulated him for his reelection as president of Brazil.
“Given your hectic campaign across Brazil and two rounds of voting, as demonstrated by the effects on your voice, Mr. President, I am truly grateful that you still managed to accept my invitation to undertake a state visit to the Philippines and to participate as guest of the chair in the 49th Asean Summit,” Marcos said.
Lula’s state visit is the first by a sitting Brazilian president and coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He also noted that the two nations' relationship has since evolved.
“Our cooperation now spans trade and investment, agriculture, energy, defense, tourism, science and technology, and education complemented by vibrant people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
“Today, we have an opportunity to chart the way forward, to deepen our partnership and advance cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for our peoples,” Marcos said, expressing optimism that the meeting will be fruitful for both parties.
Lula welcomed Marcos’ invitation, saying he was honored to be the first Brazilian leader to make a state visit to Manila.
“And at this visit to the Philippines, may it be the start of a new age of relations between Brazil and the Philippines, but a new age not just trade-wise, but also a new age in politics, as we have very common ideas and thoughts in relation to the need for reform in the UN, in advocating for multilateralism, in the recovery of the WTO, in strengthening UN institutions, also at the same time,” said Lula.
He also expressed interest in reforming the United Nations Security Council to ensure lasting peace globally.
