Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to advance strategic ties during Lula’s four-day state visit. The visit emphasizes Brazil’s significance in the Global South and celebrates 130 years of bilateral relations marked by shared values. Key topics included trade, climate cooperation, and energy policy, as both countries seek to navigate contemporary global challenges.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva convened on Wednesday to enhance their nations’ strategic alliance. This visit marks Lula as Japan’s inaugural state guest in six years, signifying Brazil’s prominence as a key player in the Global South and its membership within the BRICs group alongside China and Russia.

Lula’s four-day state visit occurs amid challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent return, particularly concerning free trade and global climate action. This engagement follows Trump’s 2019 visit, which was the most recent state visit to Japan.

The historic friendship between Japan and Brazil, highlighted by their shared values of democracy and rule of law, reaches its 130th anniversary this year. The summit in Tokyo serves as a platform for reaffirming their commitment to this bilateral relationship, with Brazil housing one of the largest Japanese diasporas worldwide.

During their visit, Lula and First Lady Janja Lula da Silva had the honor of meeting Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Brazil plays a significant role as an exporter of agricultural products and minerals, like iron ore, to Japan, while Japan predominantly supplies industrial goods, particularly automobile parts.

President Lula intends to advocate for Japan to relax its stringent beef market restrictions due to concerns about foot-and-mouth disease. Energy and climate matters are also paramount, as Brazil, a leader in renewable energy, prepares to host U.N. climate discussions in November, especially following Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.

Recently, Japan and Brazil formalized a minister-level agreement aimed at intensifying collaboration on climate issues, which encompasses discussions on carbon credit markets.

In conclusion, the meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva highlights the ongoing commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between Japan and Brazil. The partnership is framed by shared democratic values and economic interests, while also addressing critical issues such as trade, climate change, and renewable energy. This summit not only celebrates a historic relationship but also prepares both nations for future global challenges.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net

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