Presidents Lula and Xi Meet in Brasilia After G20 Summit
Presidents Xi Jinping (L) and Lula da Silva (R), Nov. 20, Brasilia, Brazil. X/ @SpokespersonCHN
November 20, 2024 Hour: 11:39 am
Trade between China and Brazil has grown steadily, reaching a record US$158 billion in 2023.
On Wednesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping to review the extensive bilateral agenda and discuss the global outlook.
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The meeting took place at the Palacio da Alvorada, the official presidential residence in Brasilia, symbolizing a gesture of respect for the Chinese leader, with whom Lula has maintained a close relationship for over a decade.
Lula and Xi examined their bilateral relationship across various dimensions, with a particular focus on trade, which serves as the driving force behind the partnership between the two countries. They also discussed their respective positions on the global stage in anticipation of the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20.
Following a working meeting, the leaders oversaw the signing of approximately 30 agreements, issued a joint statement to the press, and attended a luncheon hosted by Lula for the Chinese delegation at the Palacio da Alvorada.
Since 2009, China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner. Trade between the two countries has grown steadily, reaching a record US$158 billion in 2023, with a surplus of US$51 billion in Brazil’s favor. From January to October, bilateral trade maintained its upward trajectory, totaling US$136 billion.
Beyond trade, bilateral cooperation spans nearly all sectors under a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement in place since 2012. Current negotiations between the two governments aim to include satellite internet in this partnership.
On the global stage, Brazil and China are members of the G20, which held its annual summit on Monday and Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro. They are also founding members of BRICS, an economic cooperation group that includes Russia, India, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
