After Bangladesh voiced its desire to join ASEAN, Brazil has now openly expressed its interest in becoming a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This bold move marks a new chapter in the global diplomacy of South America’s largest country, further reinforcing its position as a proactive Global South power seeking cross-regional partnerships amid shifting world dynamics.
The statement was delivered by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Friday, October 24, 2025, during a press conference at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta as part of his official visit to Indonesia.
“Brazil’s working to become a full member of ASEAN. Brazil must believe in its economy,” Lula said.
His visit is considered historic because he is the first Brazilian president to visit the ASEAN headquarters and attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Balanced Diplomacy Amid Global Polarization
During another press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, October 27, 2025, Lula reaffirmed that Brazil will continue to pursue an independent and balanced foreign policy, rejecting any form of geopolitical polarization.
“We want to have relations with all the countries in the world. We do not accept a new Cold War that for 50 years has ruined the lives of humanity,” he stressed.
He emphasized that maintaining strong ties with the United States will not undermine Brazil’s strategic partnership with China, the country’s largest trading partner.
“We want to have a good relationship with the United States and a good relationship with China, not because of the tariff. China is Brazil’s largest trading partner and it (trade) is still growing,” Lula stated.
According to him, Brazil will continue to freely determine its diplomatic direction without pressure from any major power.
Visits to Indonesia and Malaysia
As part of his Southeast Asia tour, President Lula first visited Indonesia before flying to Malaysia to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, held from October 26–28, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
In Jakarta, he was welcomed by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
During the bilateral meeting, both sides witnessed the signing of eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors such as energy, food security, tourism, and sustainable development.
Lula also highlighted the untapped trade potential between Brazil and Indonesia. With a population of 250 million in Brazil and 280 million in Indonesia, he argued that the current USD 6.3 billion trade volume is still too small.
“Good trade policies between the two countries should be mutually beneficial. We should buy and sell in balance so there is no significant deficit or surplus,” Lula said.
Meanwhile, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Lula met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and agreed on seven new cooperation initiatives, including semiconductors, space research, science innovation, and sustainable agriculture.
Data from Brazil’s Ministry of Trade showed that the bilateral trade value between the two nations reached USD 5.8 billion in 2024, an increase of 5.9 percent from the previous year.
A New Chapter in Cross-Continental Diplomacy
Brazil has a long history of building relations with Southeast Asia. In 2011, it became the first Latin American country to sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).
Later, in 2023, Brazil established the Mission of Brazil to ASEAN, making it the only dialogue partner with a dedicated mission at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Lula’s participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between Brazil and ASEAN. Alongside attending the East Asia Summit (EAS), he also met FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the establishment of a University of Sports in Brazil, an initiative aimed at strengthening global cooperation in sports and education.
