Amid the state visit of the President of China, Xi Jinping, to Brazil, this Wednesday (20), the governments of the two countries signed 37 new bilateral agreements. The Chinese leader was received with military honors by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Janja da Silva, at Palácio da Alvorada, official residence. They met behind closed doors with the participation of several ministers from each side.
At the end of the meeting, both gave a statement to the press, with no room for questions, and went on to have lunch there. According to the Presidency of the Republic, the signed acts cover the areas of agriculture, commerce, investments, infrastructure, industry, energy, mining, finance, science and technology, communications, sustainable development, tourism, sports, health, education and culture.
“Despite being distant in geography, China and Brazil have cultivated a strategic friendship for half a century, based on shared interests and close world views. China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner since 2009. In 2023, bilateral trade reached a historic record of US$ 157 billion. The surplus with China is responsible for more than half of Brazil’s global trade balance”, highlighted Lula in his speech at the agreement signing ceremony.
Brasília – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during the official arrival ceremony of the President of China, Xi Jinping, at Palácio da Alvorada – Photo Ricardo Stuckert/PR
“The country is also one of the main sources of investment in Brazil. Chinese companies have been participating in tenders for infrastructure projects and have been partners in projects such as the construction of hydroelectric plants and railways. This represents employment, income and sustainability for Brazil Brazilian industries are also expanding their presence in China, such as WEG, Suzano and Randon. At the same time, agribusiness continues to guarantee Chinese food security. Since 2017, Brazil has been the largest supplier of food to China. “, added the president.
Xi Jinping’s agenda in Brasília follows his participation in G20 Leaders Summitheld in Rio de Janeiro and which ended last Tuesday (19).
“We will deepen cooperation in priority areas such as economy, trade, finance, science and technology, infrastructure and environmental protection. And strengthen cooperation in emerging areas such as energy transition, digital economy, artificial intelligence and green mining,” said the Chinese president, also in a statement to the press.
In the late afternoon, dinner will be served to the Chinese at the Itamaraty Palace, headquarters of Brazilian diplomacy. Xi Jinping is expected to leave Brazil this Thursday morning (21). The visit, according to the Brazilian government, follows the visit that Lula made to China in April 2023 and also takes place in celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
