Japan and Brazil are finalizing an agreement to hold reciprocal biennial visits by their leaders as part of efforts to elevate their strategic partnership. The arrangement is expected to be confirmed during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s state visit to Tokyo next week, where he will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
This will be the first state visit by a foreign head of state to Japan in about six years, the last being former U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2019.
During their meeting, Ishiba and Lula are expected to agree on initiating a “strategic dialogue of foreign ministers,” aimed at enhancing bilateral coordination on global issues, including international security, climate change, and UN Security Council reform. The foreign ministers’ dialogue will be held at least annually to ensure continuous high-level communication.
Additionally, both countries plan to create an action plan outlining specific cooperation measures, with key focuses on politics and security, economic partnerships and investments, and climate change. The establishment of frameworks for working-level dialogues involving foreign and defense authorities is also planned, aiming to deepen mutual understanding on regional affairs such as those in East Asia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
Brazil, a prominent member of BRICS and a leading voice within the Global South, will also provide Japan with expertise on United Nations peacekeeping operations and help foster Japan’s cooperation with the IBSA group (India, Brazil, and South Africa).
The Japanese government seeks closer ties with Brazil partly to prevent Brazil’s alignment with China. Highlighting the significance of Lula’s visit and partnership, Japan announced on Tuesday it would award the Brazilian president with the prestigious Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.
