Lula goes to the Philippines seeking to strengthen ties with the Asian bloc

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will travel to Manila, capital of the Philippines, to strengthen Brazil's relationship with Southwest Asia. He will participate as a guest at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit on November 15th.

In January of this year, Brazil formalized the request to upgrade its relationship with the bloc, moving from Sectoral Dialogue Partner to Dialogue Partner. This is the highest possible level of engagement with the block. If your request is accepted, Brazil will join a list that includes Canada, South Korea, the United States, Japan, among others.

“We believe that increasing this partnership will allow us to strengthen the growing proximity that Brazil has already been developing with the bloc”, explained the Secretary of Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Susan Kleebanka.

A speech by the Brazilian president is planned at the opening of the summit. The possibility of this speech is seen by Brazilian diplomats as a sign of respect for Brazil and a privilege of a country that is not a member of the bloc. Generally, the opening speech is reserved only for the leader of the summit's host country.

The invitation made to Lula, for the second year in a row, also demonstrates the bloc's respect for Brazil, in the view of Itamaraty. In 2025, Lula was invited to participate in the summit, held in Malaysia. Now, the invitation is repeated, to go to the Philippines.

Brazilian trade with Asean countries has gained importance over the years, having increased tenfold between 2003 and 2025, rising from US$3 billion to US$38 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 12%.

Asean member states are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, East Timor, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos.

Bilateral meetings

Lula must also have bilateral meetings, which are still subject to confirmation. So far, six countries have requested an agenda with the Brazilian president. The only certainty so far, besides participation in the Asian bloc summit, is a state visit to the Philippines, one day before the Asean Summit. In 2026, 80 years of relationship between the countries will be completed.

Lula should seek to expand Brazil's partnership with the Philippines. Brazil exports coffee, açaí, juices and processed products, such as pasta and cookies, and wants to increase the sales volume of these products. Since 2016, trade between countries has grown four times.

The president arrives in Manila from Antalya, Turkey, after participating in the 31st Climate Change Conference (COP31). He leaves Antalya on Thursday night (12), heading to the Philippines, on a flight lasting around 14 hours. On the 14th, the State visit will be made and on the 15th, participation in the Asean Summit. A press conference is also planned, with a date and time to be defined.