South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held summit talks in Seoul on February 23, 2026, agreeing to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The leaders signed 10 memoranda of understanding to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, space, defense, and other areas. This visit marks Lula's first state trip to South Korea in 21 years.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Seoul on February 22 for a three-day state visit at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, marking the first such trip in 21 years. The summit on February 23 at Cheong Wa Dae focused on elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, with the leaders adopting a four-year action plan to enhance politics, economy, practical cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
In a joint press announcement, Lee stated, "The two countries have achieved substantive cooperation in trade and investment, space and the defense industry." They agreed on the need to resume negotiations for a trade agreement with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), which Lee described as an "urgent task," though talks launched in 2018 have seen little progress.
The nations signed 10 memoranda of understanding covering trade and investment, science and technology, agriculture, health care, small and medium-sized enterprises, and food security. This includes launching a high-level economic and trade committee to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, and artificial intelligence. Finance ministries agreed to a vice-ministerial economic and financial dialogue for macroeconomic coordination.
Lee highlighted space cooperation, noting South Korea's Hanbit-Nano rocket's attempted launch at Brazil's Alcantara Space Center in December 2025, and hopes for success on the next try. In defense, he pointed to Korean parts makers' involvement in Embraer's C-390 military transport aircraft, aiming to expand to joint development of next-generation commercial aircraft.
Lula emphasized Brazil's natural resources, seeking Korean investment in critical minerals and cooperation in semiconductors, aerospace, and defense. Discussions also covered green industry, energy transition, and South Korea's participation in Brazil's global fund for tropical rainforest preservation launched last year.
The leaders shared views on international issues, including peace on the Korean Peninsula. Their personal rapport stems from meetings at the G7 summit in Canada in June 2025 and the G20 in South Africa in November 2025, where they bonded over experiences as former child laborers in factories during their youth.
Ahead of the summit, Lee posted on X: "I look forward to meeting you soon. Welcome, my eternal comrade, President Lula." A state dinner followed the talks, with the presidential couples later enjoying chicken and beer at a traditional house in Cheong Wa Dae, where Lula plans to recite a poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade.
