President Lee Jae-myung expressed hope on July 27 that he and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva would continue to work together to improve the lives of more people without losing their worker identities.
During a joint press conference held after their summit at the Palácio da Alvorada in Brasília, President Lee referenced their shared experiences of working in factories as children, which included sustaining injuries. President Lula lost his pinky finger while working in a metal factory at the age of 19, and President Lee also injured his left arm during his youth.
President Lee stated, "I hope that both South Korea and Brazil can become happier countries for all their citizens." He promised to visit the São Paulo metalworkers' union office where President Lula worked in his youth to reflect on his life and dreams.
He declared 2026 as the year for a leap in the strategic partnership between South Korea and Brazil, pledging to expand cooperation in the economy, industry, critical minerals, energy, defense, cultural exchanges, and international collaboration.
Below is the full text of President Lee's remarks at the Korea-Brazil joint press conference:
Dear President Lula,
I am truly pleased to discuss the future of South Korea and Brazil here today.
As you mentioned, we share unique experiences. Just as you lost a finger on your left hand, I also injured my left hand while working in a factory as a child. Although I have a disability from my injury, it does not hinder my commitment to working for the betterment of others. It constantly reminds me of my duty to think of more people and ensure that a greater number can lead better lives.
When I visit São Paulo tomorrow, I plan to visit the metalworkers' union office where you worked in your youth. There, I will reflect on your commitment to remembering the realities of workers and your continuous efforts to help everyone lead better lives.
I hope that both of us can maintain our worker identities and work together for the betterment of many people's lives.
I wish for both South Korea and Brazil to become happier nations for all their citizens.
I sincerely thank you for the warm welcome you and your representatives have extended to me and my delegation at the beautiful Palácio da Alvorada.
As you mentioned earlier, I am honored to be the fourth foreign leader welcomed here, following President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Modi, and President Chirac.
Following your historic state visit to South Korea in February, I am now making a state visit to Brazil for the first time in 11 years as the President of South Korea. I would like to express my gratitude once again to you and the Brazilian people for your warm hospitality.
Brazil is the world's 11th largest economy and plays a crucial role in the global supply chain and food security, holding significant strategic value in the international community.
Through our discussions today, President Lula and I declared 2026 as the year for a leap in the 'Korea-Brazil Strategic Partnership' and adopted a joint statement following the 'Four-Year Action Plan' established in February, further clarifying our vision for future cooperation.
We achieved meaningful results in five areas during today's summit:
- We agreed to strengthen the economic cooperation foundation, which is a key driving force for the development of our bilateral relations.
- We decided to enhance strategic cooperation in the resource and energy sectors to diversify supply chains.
- We agreed to expand cooperation in advanced and future industries to create new growth engines.
- We will further enhance cultural and human exchanges to bring our peoples closer together.
- We agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in the international community.
We will work to deepen cooperation and exchanges in all areas, including economy, industry, security, and culture, at a rapid pace.
Thank you once again for your warm hospitality, President Lula, and for the deep affection you have shown towards the people of South Korea.
Thank you.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.