MANILA, Philippines – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Saturday, November 14, that his state visit to the Philippines is expected to usher in a “new age of relations” between the two countries who are marking their 80th year of diplomatic ties this year.
Lula, the first Brazilian president to go on a state visit to the Philippines, said this at the start of his expanded bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, which the Philippines chairs.
“This visit to the Philippines, may it be the start of a new age of relations between Brazil and the Philippines. But a new age not just trade-wise but also a new age in politics as we have very common ideas and thoughts in relation to the need for reforming the UN, in advocating for multilateralism, in the recovery of the WTO, and strengthening UN institutions also at the same time,” he said.
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“We are also very much interested in reforming the UN Security Council for us to give United Nations the necessary credibility once more of an institution that may work to ensure peace in the world,” Lula added.
Marcos, in his statement, cited Lula’s visit as a “high point” of the 80th year of Philippines-Brazil ties.
The Philippine leader noted that the two countries share many commonalities. “In the international arena, we stand shoulder to shoulder in advocating for an international order grounded on dialogue, cooperation and international law,” Marcos added.
At the state luncheon in honor of Lula, Marcos called his visit a “watershed moment” for their countries.
“I hope to enhance our cooperation in regional and multilateral fronts such as the United Nations and in ASEAN,” Marcos said.
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Lula is joining the plenary session of the ASEAN Summit on Sunday, November 15, as guest of the chair. – Rappler.com