President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, arrived in Hanoi this afternoon, beginning his three-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

At Noi Bai International Airport, the Brazilian president and his delegation were welcomed by:

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi

President Lula da Silva is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes:

President of the Federal Senate and National Congress

Speaker of the House of Representatives

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Transportation

Minister of Ports and Airports

Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

Minister of Education

Minister of Mines and Energy

Minister of Communications

Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation

Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Minister of Regional Integration and Development

Minister of the Institutional Security Office of the Presidential Palace

This marks President Lula da Silva’s second visit to Vietnam as Brazil’s head of state after a gap of 17 years.

Strengthening strategic partnership

President Lula da Silva is the first foreign head of state to visit Vietnam in 2025. Known for his deep connection with Vietnam, he has often referred to himself as part of the "Vietnam Generation".

During his previous presidential terms, he prioritized enhancing cooperation with Vietnam in various fields, including economics, trade, science and technology, renewable energy, education, and training.

This visit comes after the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Brazil was elevated to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's attendance at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro (November 2024). This upgrade reflects the comprehensive, practical, and effective development of bilateral relations, marking a significant step forward in political and diplomatic cooperation.

The visit of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underscores the political will and importance of bilateral relations, reaffirming Vietnam as a reliable partner of Brazil.

Brazil is Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Latin America, a region with enormous potential, especially as Vietnam seeks to diversify markets and supply chains. Both countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion this year and $15 billion by 2030.

Tran Thuong