Prabowo and Lula Discuss Strengthening Global South Strategic Cooperation at First State Meeting
Main Takeaways
|
JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met in Brasília on Wednesday, Jul 9, 2025, to inaugurate a new chapter of strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Brazil across forestry, food security, renewable energy and defense, symbolizing Global South unity and setting the stage for deeper collaboration ahead of major international forums.
President Prabowo Subianto and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held their first state meeting at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, marking the official start of Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS and affirming their shared vision for addressing global inequality, climate change and reform of international governance.
President Prabowo Subianto delivers a joint press statement with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto, Brasília, on Wednesday, Jul 9, 2025. Photo : BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr
Both leaders’ personal journeys underscored their commitment to pragmatic governance: Lula, a former metalworker and union leader, won the presidency in 2002 after three unsuccessful bids, while Prabowo, a former special forces general, prevailed in Indonesia’s 2024 election following earlier defeats against the incumbent and in his party’s nomination contests.
Expanding Trade and Environmental Cooperation
Bilateral trade reached US$ 6.34 billion in 2024, with Brazil exporting US$ 4.46 billion in soybean meal, cotton and tobacco to Indonesia, and Indonesia shipping textile yarn, natural rubber and automotive parts worth US$ 1.87 billion to Brazil. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted opportunities to expand Indonesian market access for beef, poultry and civilian and military aircraft.
Indonesia and Brazil also reinforced their partnership on forest conservation and climate action, bolstering cooperation within the “United for Our Forests” coalition and strengthening governance of the Tropical Forests Forever Fund ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
As full BRICS members, Indonesia and Brazil underscored the importance of reforming international institutions, upholding international law and pursuing peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, reflecting their growing influence in shaping a more inclusive global order.
President Lula has planned a reciprocal visit to Asia, likely attending the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia in October 2025, to further bridge cooperation between Latin America and Southeast Asia.