Vietnam-Brazil relations: Strong commitment, Decisive action
WVR - Seventeen years after his last visit to Vietnam, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva returns with a firm commitment and strong determination to deepen the recently upgraded strategic partnership between Vietnam and Brazil, which was elevated just four months ago.
Latest
 |
| Vietnam-Brazil also recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year (May 8, 1989 - 2024). (Photo: VGP) |
From the upgrade of bilateral ties to the strategic partnership to President Lula da Silva’s state visit to Vietnam (March 27-29) at the invitation of President Luong Cuong, these successive positive developments signal the opening of a new chapter in Vietnam-Brazil relations, marked by closer cooperation and more decisive actions.
A trusted and important partner
President Lula da Silva’s visit took place just over four months after Vietnam and Brazil elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro (November 16-19, 2024).
The two countries also recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year (May 8, 1989 - May 8, 2024). Prior to this, in September 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh became the first Vietnamese head of government to visit South America’s largest country.
 |
| President Luong Cuong and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held talks, witnessed the signing ceremony, and attended the press conference on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
| More from WVR |
 Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concludes state visit to Vietnam |
Vietnam is the first ASEAN nation to establish a strategic partnership with Brazil. Likewise, Brazil is the first Latin American country to elevate its relationship with Vietnam to a strategic level. This underscores the mutual respect and recognition both nations have for each other as trusted friends and key partners in the Global South.
For President Lula da Silva, this marks his second visit to Vietnam, following his official trip in July 2008. Notably, he remains the only Brazilian head of state to have officially visited the country to date.
| “President Lula da Silva has always spoken fondly of Vietnam and cherishes the memories of his visit in 2008 as the first Brazilian President to visit Hanoi. He is eager to witness firsthand Vietnam’s remarkable economic and social achievements today,” Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. |
President Lula da Silva considers himself part of the “Vietnam Generation”, those who took to the streets in support of Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation. His deep affinity for the Southeast Asian nation has been reflected in his leadership, where he has actively promoted bilateral cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, science and technology, renewable energy, and education. It was during his second presidential term in 2007 that Vietnam and Brazil established their comprehensive partnership.
 |
| Party General Secretary To Lam meets with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. (Photo: WVR) |
While President Lula da Silva’s 2008 visit focused on fostering friendship and exploring bilateral cooperation, this time, the visit reflects the continuous advancement of Vietnam-Brazil relations.
During his stay, President Lula da Silva met with key Vietnamese leaders, including General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. These high-level engagements present an opportunity for both sides to advance the strategic partnership through concrete actions, ensuring that political commitments are fulfilled through practical and effective cooperation programs that yield mutual benefits.
 |
| National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man welcomes Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. (Photo: quochoi.vn) |
This active, proactive and dedicated approach from both nations reaffirms their shared commitment to effectively implementing the strategic partnership framework, advancing cooperation across various domains, including politics and security, trade and investment, science and innovation, culture and society, and climate change at a new strategic level. It also marks a major milestone for Vietnam as it strengthens ties with Brazil, a leading economic powerhouse and key regional player in South America. This partnership will help Vietnam diversify its economic relations and unlock new growth opportunities across key industries and sectors.
Indeed, this visit represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations, aligning with Vietnam’s foreign policy goals, contributing to the implementation of the 13th Party Congress Resolution and the “Vietnam-Latin America Relations Development Plan for 2022-2026.” It also underscores Vietnam’s determination to enhance cooperation with key partners in Latin America, particularly Brazil.
 |
| President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to elevate Vietnam-Brazil relations to a Strategic Partnership in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. (Source: VNA) |
Advancing shared values
One of the key drivers of the Vietnam-Brazil partnership is their shared commitment to peace and stability - both regionally and globally. This common ground forms the foundation for economic cooperation, trade expansion, and stronger political ties.
Vietnam and Brazil have agreed to build their Strategic Partnership around five key pillars: Politics and security; Trade and investment; Science, technology, and innovation; Climate change response and environmental cooperation; Cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
| “President Lula da Silva’s visit, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation and business representatives, demonstrates the strong political will and significance of bilateral relations. It also reaffirms Vietnam as a trusted partner of Brazil.” - Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Farani. |
Under this new framework, both nations will maintain cooperative mechanisms such as the Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation and political consultations between their respective Foreign Ministries. They will also sign bilateral agreements and strengthen collaboration at multilateral forums.
Economic and trade cooperation is at the forefront of the Strategic Partnership. Brazil is Vietnam’s largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $8 billion last year, accounting for 34.8% of Vietnam’s total trade with the region. Both sides have set an ambitious target of increasing trade volume to $15 billion by 2030.
With both economies being highly dynamic and sharing a common vision for sustainable growth and innovation, their strengths complement each other well, creating room for breakthroughs in economic cooperation.
 |
| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pose for a group photo. (Photo: WVR) |
Against this backdrop, President Lula da Silva’s presence in Vietnam provides an opportunity for both sides to discuss measures to enhance trade, investment, and market expansion. Brazil already recognized Vietnam's market economy status and accelerated negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and The Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), a critical step in expanding economic and trade cooperation.
| “President Lula da Silva’s visit is of great significance for Vietnam-Brazil relations, reflecting Brazil’s deep interest in Asia and Vietnam in particular.” Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi |
During this visit, discussions have focused on potential areas for cooperation such as renewable energy, manufacturing, high-tech agriculture, biofuels, education, and climate change adaptation.
Additionally, both sides explore concrete measures to boost trade and investment, expand market access, and strengthen collaboration in tourism, aviation, seaports, and logistics. Notably, several ministries, localities, and businesses from both countries are expected to sign important agreements, paving the way for long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation.
In an era of increasing global uncertainties, where nations face both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, the Vietnam-Brazil partnership holds significance beyond bilateral benefits. Their collaboration can contribute to global efforts in environmental protection, peacekeeping, and sustainable development.
 |
| President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visits the Vietnam Military History Museum. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
With high political trust, strong cooperation, and a long-term vision, President Lula da Silva’s visit to Vietnam expected to usher in a new phase of robust, sustainable, and effective cooperation. This will not only fulfill the aspirations of both nations but also elevate their standing on the global stage—contributing to shared stability and prosperity worldwide.
Multimedia
Infographics Photos Videos E magazine
