Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Thursday, commencing a three-day state visit to Vietnam aimed at advancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.

President Lula da Silva is the first foreign head of state to visit Vietnam in 2025. This marks his second official trip to the country as Brazil’s president, following an invitation from Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong.

Upon arrival, he was welcomed by several senior Vietnamese officials, including Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet, Hanoi deputy chairman Duong Duc Tuan, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi.

Accompanying the president is a high-level delegation composed of senior figures from both Brazil’s executive and legislative branches. 

This visit aims to bring the Vietnam-Brazil strategic partnership – formally established in November 2024 during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro – into practical effect. 

The partnership is expected to advance political dialogue, expand trade and investment flows, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Nghi described the upgraded partnership as a reflection of the strong, substantive, and effective development in bilateral ties – a 'qualitative leap' in political and diplomatic relations, the Vietnam News Agency reported. 

Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Farani echoed this view, calling the visit a major milestone in the relationship.

He noted that the two countries' economies are highly complementary, particularly in agriculture, science and technology, and innovation. 

He also commented that the visit presents opportunities to open new avenues for collaboration in trade, investment, and economic development.

President Lula da Silva, who has referred to himself as part of the 'Vietnam generation,' has expressed deep admiration and affection for the country.

During his two previous terms in office, he actively promoted cooperation with Vietnam in trade, science and technology, renewable energy, education, and other key areas.

His tenures also saw significant milestones in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1989, including the launch of a comprehensive partnership with Vietnam in 2007 and the elevation of their relations to a strategic partnership in November 2024.

As head of state, President Lula da Silva has hosted visits from former State President Tran Duc Luong in November 2004, former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh in May 2007, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in September 2023.

During his current visit to Hanoi, the president is scheduled to hold talks with President Luong Cuong and meet with other top Vietnamese leaders to explore ways to expand cooperation across various sectors.

According to Reuters, the two countries are expected to sign an action plan covering defense, agriculture, energy, and technology, along with other agreements on diplomatic cooperation and information exchange. Topics under discussion may also include beef and aircraft exports.

President Lula da Silva also plans to propose the launch of trade negotiations between Vietnam and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc currently chaired by Brazil.

This visit is expected to mark a significant turning point in Brazil-Vietnam relations, laying the groundwork for expanded collaboration and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.