Xi Jinping meets with Brazilian president Lula, signing 37 trade and development deals

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Brasilia on Wednesday for a state meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations and signing 37 government agreements.

Xi arrived midmorning at the Alvorada Palace and was escorted by a cavalry regiment. Lula and his wife, Janja da Silva, welcomed the Chinese leader at the official residence of the Brazilian presidency, where he received elaborate state honours and attended a performance by Chinese and Brazilian children.

He then attended a private meeting with Lula, followed by an expanded session with senior officials from both countries.

As reported in October, Brazil has decided not to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), citing concerns about potential repercussions for its relationship with Washington.

Instead, Xi and Lula signed an agreement to seek “synergies” between the belt and road plan and several Brazilian government programmes.

These include initiatives focused on industrial modernisation, ecological transformation and South American integration routes, the latter aimed at linking Brazil with the Chinese-funded Chancay megaport in Peru.

The two leaders also announced the formation of two task forces dedicated to financial cooperation and productive, sustainable development. These groups will have a two-month deadline to identify priority Brazilian projects eligible for belt and road financing.