SEOUL, October 26 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday on his election to a historic fourth term, calling him a close friend and comrade as the two countries seek to deepen their recently established strategic partnership.
"I am delighted beyond words to congratulate President Lula, my dear friend and comrade, on his election," Lee wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
Lee expressed confidence that Lula would continue to play an important role in Brazil, building on the trust and expectations of the Brazilian people.
"I sincerely hope you will move forward vigorously toward the future you have envisioned for Brazil," Lee said.
Recalling their previous meetings, Lee added that he looked forward to seeing Lula again and remembering the conversations and laughter they had shared. His congratulatory message was also published in Portuguese, Brazil's official language.
Lula secured a historic fourth presidential term after defeating right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, in a runoff election on Sunday.
According to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, Lula won 51.79 percent of valid votes, compared with 48.21 percent for Bolsonaro, extending the leftist leader's political career and keeping Latin America's largest economy under his leadership.
Lee and Lula have developed a close personal relationship through their shared experiences of working as child laborers before entering politics.
Both leaders have frequently highlighted their similar backgrounds, including hardships during their youth and their subsequent political careers centered on labor rights and social welfare.
Their personal rapport has accompanied a significant expansion of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Brazil.
During Lula's state visit to Seoul in February, the first by a Brazilian president in 21 years, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and adopted a four-year action plan covering 2026 through 2029.
Lee reciprocated with a state visit to Brazil in July, when the two presidents reaffirmed commitments to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense, aerospace and renewable energy.
They also discussed efforts to resume negotiations on a trade agreement between South Korea and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc that includes Brazil.
Economic ties have become an increasingly important component of the relationship. Bilateral trade reached approximately $10.8 billion in 2025, according to Brazilian government figures.
Brazil supplies South Korea with commodities including crude oil, iron ore, pulp and agricultural products, while South Korean exports to Brazil include semiconductors, electronics, machinery and automobiles.
The two countries established diplomatic relations on Oct. 31, 1959, and are approaching their 67th anniversary, with Brazil serving as one of South Korea's principal economic and diplomatic partners in Latin America.
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