British News Agency

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made remarks marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries during his visit to the Philippines. Lula emphasized the importance of his visit in diversifying partnerships and strengthening economic cooperation.

Lula said he had arrived in Manila at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and expressed pride in being the first Brazilian president to visit the Philippines.

Emphasizing that the two countries share common goals in areas such as social policies, combating hunger and poverty, and protecting children in the digital environment, Lula recalled that the Philippines is among the founding members of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

Lula also noted that Brazil and the Philippines cooperate within the framework of the School Meals Coalition, adding that Manila would host the initiative's regional summit following the Second Global Summit held in Fortaleza in 2025.

Lula said, "I came to Manila to diversify our partnerships, strengthen our ties of cooperation and reposition Brazil in global value chains."