Brazilian President Lula arrives in Philippines for first-ever state visit and ASEAN talks

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva touched down in the Philippines on Friday for a historic state visit and the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, as Brasilia looks to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asia.

Footage shows Brazilian and Philippine flags flying at the airport in Pasay City as a military honour guard marches towards the presidential aircraft. Performers dressed in traditional outfits are also seen dancing near the reception area.

The trip marks the first visit by a sitting Brazilian president to the Philippines and coincides with 80 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established in 1946.

Lula is scheduled to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a state visit on November 14, with talks expected to focus on trade, investment, agriculture, energy, defence, science and technology, as well as cooperation between countries of the Global South.

The following day, Lula will attend the ASEAN leaders' summit as a special guest of Marcos, who chairs the regional bloc this year. It will be his second consecutive appearance at an ASEAN summit, following his participation in Malaysia in 2025.

Brazil is seeking closer ties with Southeast Asia after trade with ASEAN countries grew tenfold, from approximately three billion dollars in 2003 to 38 billion dollars in 2025. In January, Brasilia formally requested an upgrade from Sectoral Dialogue Partner to full Dialogue Partner status, seeking deeper engagement with the bloc and greater access to Asian markets.

The Philippines is hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings from November 14 to 17 under the theme 'Navigating Our Future, Together'. Leaders are expected to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and major challenges facing Southeast Asia, including the crisis in Myanmar.

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