President Lee Jae Myung welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his state visit to South Korea on Monday, remarking that his path in life and politics closely mirrors his own journey.
President Lee shared this sentiment on his X (formerly Twitter) account that morning, stating that on behalf of all citizens, he extends a warm welcome to the esteemed President Lula on his state visit to South Korea.
He introduced President Lula as a former child laborer who has demonstrated through his life’s work that democracy is the most effective tool for socio-economic progress.
Lee continued that though he briefly faced adversity due to the erosion of democracy, he has resiliently risen alongside the great people of Brazil and is now revitalizing the nation.
He expressed confidence that with President Lula’s integrity, tenacity, unwavering resolve, and courage, Brazil will flourish tremendously. Lee added that he wholeheartedly support President Lula’s life, struggles, and achievements, which will be etched in the annals of global democracy.
He concluded by saying that he eagerly anticipates their meeting, his eternal ally President Lula.
President Lee also shared this message translated into Portuguese, Brazil’s official language.
Later that morning, President Lee was scheduled to hold a summit meeting with President Lula. This marks the first state visit by a Brazilian president to South Korea in 21 years, since Lula’s first term in 2005.
The Blue House planned to begin with an official welcoming ceremony, followed by a commemorative photo session, summit meeting, and signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding (MOU), concluding with a joint press conference. The day’s events were to culminate in a state dinner and other informal engagements between the leaders.