Brazil and ASEAN together towards a prosperous and peaceful future

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Malaysia from October 25 to 28. This is the first time a Brazilian head of state has attended the event.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks at the Planalto Palace in Brasília on September 6, 2025. Photo: Brazilian Presidential Palace

Brazil and Southeast Asian countries are working to strengthen their partnership based on common goals of sustainable growth, energy transition and social inclusion.

On this occasion, VNA correspondent in South America interviewed President Lula da Silva about the prospects for developing relations between Brazil and ASEAN.

As ASEAN continues to expand its engagement with partners in the Asia- Pacific region, Brazil’s participation in this year’s Summit marks a turning point in inter-regional diplomacy. Mr. President, how do you see Brazil’s role in ASEAN’s expanding network of partnerships beyond the Asia-Pacific region?

The partnership between Brazil and ASEAN is a testament to the possibility of building a future of peace , stability and sustainable growth. With complementary and dynamic economies and a shared vision of a just and inclusive international order, we demonstrate that dialogue and cooperation in the Global South can bridge gaps and deliver mutual benefits.

Over the past 25 years, trade between Brazil and ASEAN has increased more than 16 times. In 2000, our trade volume reached 2.3 billion USD. In 2024, it will reach 37.2 billion USD. We have great potential to contribute and benefit in the region, and our trade relations can grow even stronger. To strengthen this relationship, I will attend the ASEAN Summit next Sunday in Malaysia. This will be the first time a Brazilian President has attended an ASEAN Summit.

Trade relations are just one part of our much broader partnership. The adoption of the Areas of Practical Cooperation 2024-2028 in 2023 demonstrates the breadth of our shared agenda. Together, we propose solutions to tackle climate change, ensure food security, and promote the energy transition and digital transformation.

Brazil is known for its pioneering achievements in clean energy, biofuels and innovative social policies, improving the lives of millions of people. How can Brazil’s experience in these areas contribute to ASEAN’s sustainable development agenda?

In the energy sector, in addition to having one of the cleanest energy structures in the world , Brazil has more than five decades of experience in the development and use of ethanol as a fuel. We have successfully tested public policy models and can share technical, technological and financial expertise in this area.

Brazil is also an important strategic partner in ensuring food security for the 672 million people of ASEAN. As one of the world’s largest exporters of animal protein and cereals, Brazil is well positioned to meet the bloc’s growing import demand.

In addition, Brazil offers ASEAN decades of public policy experience and technical expertise supporting local food production. Brazil’s programs linking smallholder farmers with markets and public administrations, such as the National School Feeding Program, are models that could be replicated in other countries.

We also co-founded the Global Alliance to End Poverty, which now has eight ASEAN members. All based on the belief that there can be no real progress without social justice.

There is great potential for collaboration in the high-tech and innovation sectors. ASEAN has some of the world’s most dynamic digital economies and innovation hubs in sectors such as semiconductors, while Brazil has a vibrant ecosystem of startups and technology solutions focused on social inclusion, digitalization of public services and financial transformation.

The PIX instant payment system, and the GOV.BR platform – which consolidates government services – are examples of how technology is democratizing access to essential services. Recognized globally for their scale and efficiency, these Brazilian initiatives can benefit communities in other regions.

In addition to economic and technological cooperation, Brazil and ASEAN share a vision of peace, stability and universalism as the basis for a just international order. Their shared commitment to disarmament, exemplified by the nuclear-free zone, reflects the belief that collective security should be based on cooperation, not on imposed power.

We also see the multilateral system facing an unprecedented crisis. The stagnation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the UN Security Council underscores the urgent need to reform, strengthen multilateralism and make global governance more inclusive, legitimate and representative. This is one of our priorities as BRICS Chair this year, as well as when Brazil holds the G20 Presidency in 2024.

Next November, Brazil will host COP30 in the Amazon, which will confirm Brazil’s leadership in climate and environmental action. Mr. President, how can Brazil work closely with ASEAN to strengthen the global fight against climate change?

Environmentally, Brazil is the world’s most biodiverse country, while ASEAN accounts for about 25% of all plant and animal species. Next month, we will host COP30 in the heart of the Amazon, reflecting the urgency of putting people at the center of climate discussions. We believe that there will be no effective solutions for the rainforest without the leadership of the indigenous peoples who live in this region.

At COP30, we will launch the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF), an innovative forest conservation tool. TFFF recognizes forests as providing ecosystem services that are critical to climate regulation. The fund model provides compensation of up to $4 for each hectare of forest protected. This is not a donation, but an investment in humanity and life on Earth.

Through cooperation and friendship, Brazil and ASEAN demonstrate that international relations can benefit all parties in a mutually beneficial relationship. Together, we have the opportunity to overcome injustices and build a prosperous, sustainable and peaceful future for all.

VNA would like to thank President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his interview and sharing valuable views on cooperation between Brazil and ASEAN!

Dieu Huong (conducted) (VNA correspondent in South America)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/the-gioi/brazil-va-asean-cung-huong-toi-tuong-lai-thinh-vuong-va-hoa-binh-20251023065551429.htm