Published 20/11/2024 12:25 | Edited 11/20/2024 12:52
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) received this Wednesday (20), at Palácio da Alvorada, the president of China, Xi Jinping, on a state visit marked by celebrations and strategic agreements. This is the first face-to-face meeting between leaders in Brazil since Lula’s visit to Beijing, in April 2023. The occasion reinforces the relevance of relations between the two countries, which celebrate 50 years in 2024.
Xi Jinping was received with military honors, performances by the Army and Cavalry bands, in addition to the participation of children holding flags from both countries. The ceremony took place in a unique context, due to the national holiday of Black Consciousness Day, which kept other powers out of work.
At Alvorada, more than 30 acts of cooperation were signed, a joint statement to the press and a lunch hosted by Lula. In the evening, the Chinese president will participate in a dinner at the Itamaraty Palace, headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Brazilian authorities.
Trade agreements and market expansion
Xi Jinping’s visit marks advances in several areas of the Sino-Brazilian partnership. Among the most anticipated agreements is the opening of the Chinese market to Brazilian agricultural products, including fishmeal, sorghum, sesame and fresh grapes. According to government sources, the technical protocols have already been completed, awaiting formal announcement.
Other expected advances, such as the qualification of new Brazilian slaughterhouses for export and the review of health protocols, were not finalized in time, but should be announced in the coming months. Among the items still under negotiation are beef and pork offal, as well as adjustments to protocols for exporting fish and dry grains.
Bilateral trade relations
China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner since 2009. In 2023, trade between the two countries reached a record US$157.5 billion, with a surplus of US$51.1 billion for Brazil. The main exported products include soybeans, iron ore and oil, while Brazil imports electronics and machinery from the Asian country.
In addition to trade, China is one of the largest sources of investment in Brazil, financing infrastructure, technology and energy projects.
Strategic and multilateral cooperation
In addition to trade issues, the leaders discussed the role of Brazil and China in multilateral forums, such as BRICS, G20 and the UN, and the strengthening of the Sino-Brazilian High Level Commission for Concertation and Cooperation (COSBAN). Lula and Xi also emphasized the importance of joint initiatives on global issues, such as climate change and sustainable development.
The presence of Dilma Rousseff, current president of the New Development Bank (NBD), reinforced the role of BRICS as a central platform in cooperation between the two emerging economies.
An expanding partnership
This Wednesday’s meeting consolidates a strategic relationship that transcends trade, covering topics of technology, education, food security and multilateral diplomacy. “Brazil and China share common objectives in combating inequality and promoting sustainable development. This is another important step towards deepening our partnership”, declared Lula during the ceremony.
Xi Jinping’s visit reaffirms China’s role as a central ally for Brazil, at a time when both countries seek to expand their global influence and strengthen regional and international ties.
Source: vermelho.org.br
