Visiting Brazil on a state visit, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung described Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a “wonderful person” during a meeting with local compatriots in São Paulo on local time Jan. 28, following their fifth bilateral meeting. President Lee shared details of their recent discussions, noting that President Lula asked him to pass along greetings to the Korean community in Brazil and remarked on their shared working-class backgrounds.
Bilateral Relations and Shared Backgrounds
President Lee recounted that President Lula pointed out during their talks that they are the only two presidents with working-class experience, noting the shared mission to understand and solve the hardships of everyday people. According to President Lee, President Lula emphasized that finding leaders who truly fight to solve these difficulties is rare, urging them both to put in strong efforts. President Lee highlighted that during Lula’s two previous terms, the Brazilian economy experienced rapid growth while income and educational inequalities saw massive improvements that aided national development.
The South Korean leader also addressed the challenges Brazil faced afterward, noting that the country appears to be recovering and expressing a desire for the diaspora to play major roles and seize strong opportunities to succeed. President Lula served an eight-year tenure from 2003 to 2011 before returning to office in 2023 as Brazil’s first three-term president, and he is scheduled to run in the upcoming presidential election on Oct. 4 to seek a fourth term.
Did You Know? President Lula da Silva served two terms from 2003 to 2011, returned to the presidency in 2023 as Brazil’s first three-term leader, and is positioned to run for a fourth term in the October 4 election.
Support for the Korean Diaspora in São Paulo
During the compatriot gathering at a São Paulo hotel, President Lee awarded appreciation plaques to first-generation immigrants and participated in commemorative photos to encourage the local community. President Lee stated that the relationship between South Korea and Brazil continues to deepen on the foundation of trust built by the diaspora. He emphasized that the state exists to resolve the difficulties faced by its citizens and promised that his administration will work to solve or ease any problems brought forward by the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did President Lee Jae-myung meet with the Brazilian diaspora?
President Lee met with local compatriots at a hotel in São Paulo during his state visit to Brazil.
When did President Lee make these remarks about President Lula?
President Lee made the remarks on local time Jan. 28 during a compatriot gathering in São Paulo.
What upcoming political event involves President Lula?
President Lula is scheduled to run in the presidential election on Oct. 4 to seek a fourth term in office.
How might closer diplomatic ties between South Korea and Brazil impact the daily lives of Korean expatriates living in São Paulo?
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