Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will make a state visit to Vietnam from March 27 to 29 at the invitation of Vietnamese President Luong Cuong.

Prior to his visit to Vietnam, President Lula da Silva will also visit Japan. This marks his second visit to Vietnam.

According to the Brazilian presidential website, the visit aims to identify and establish joint actions and initiatives to materialize the Strategic Partnership that was formed between the two countries in November 2024 during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Brazil for the G20 Summit.

Strengthening bilateral ties

Brazil views the elevation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam to a Strategic Partnership as a key move to deepen political dialogue, enhance economic cooperation, increase trade and investment flows, and foster collaboration on multilateral platforms while promoting new cooperation initiatives.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989, Vietnam and Brazil have built a solid and comprehensive relationship grounded in strategic trust and mutual understanding. Brazil became the first South American country with which Vietnam established a Strategic Partnership.

As the largest trading partner of Vietnam in Latin America, Brazil holds significant potential, especially as Vietnam seeks to diversify markets and supply chains.

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached over $7.5 billion USD. Vietnam has emerged as Brazil’s fifth-largest global destination for agricultural exports, while also standing out as one of the world’s leading producers of coffee, rice, and electronic products - sectors with significant potential for bilateral cooperation.

Ambitious trade goals

The two countries aim to boost bilateral trade volume to $10 billion USD by 2025 and $15 billion USD by 2030.

President Lula da Silva, who has a profound affection for Vietnam, often refers to himself as part of the "Vietnam Generation". He was the first Brazilian head of state to officially visit Vietnam.

During his previous two presidential terms, President Lula da Silva showed great commitment to advancing cooperation with Vietnam in economic, trade, science and technology, renewable energy, education, and training. Under his leadership, Brazil and Vietnam established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2007 and upgraded it to a Strategic Partnership in November 2024.

Tran Thuong