PUTRAJAYA: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here on Saturday (Oct 25) in conjunction with his visit to Malaysia, during which he will attend the 47th Asean Summit as a Guest of the Chair.
Lula, accompanied by his wife Janja Lula da Silva, arrived at 9am and was received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and other Cabinet members.
The ceremony at Dataran Perdana Putra began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries by the Central Band of the Royal Malay Regiment.
The Brazilian President then inspected a guard of honour, comprising four officers and 103 personnel from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Khairul Azmi Jamingon.
Following the ceremony, both leaders were seen travelling together to the Seri Perdana Complex for a bilateral meeting.
Both leaders are expected to review the progress of Malaysia-Brazil bilateral relations and explore new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, semiconductors, science and technology, renewable energy, the halal industry, agriculture, health and education.
They are also expected to discuss regional and global issues, including cooperation under the United Nations, BRICS and Asean, COP30, the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, and the Palestinian issue.
Several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed covering semiconductors, science and innovation, and cooperation between think tanks, as well as an Exchange of Notes on diplomatic training and a Letter of Intent on collaboration in genetic resources and biotechnology.
On Sunday (Oct 26), the Brazilian President will attend the opening ceremony of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, deliver a statement at the 20th East Asia Summit and later attend a gala dinner hosted by Anwar and his wife on Oct 27.
Lula is also scheduled to attend the Asean Business and Investment Summit on Oct 25 and 26. – Bernama
