At a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Lula also welcomed Indonesia as the newest full member of the BRICS economic group following its accession in January this year.
“Welcoming Indonesia as a BRICS member is like opening my house to an old friend,” Lula said at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília, Brazil, on Wednesday (July 9), according to a statement from Prabowo’s office on Thursday.
Reflecting on the historic Bandung Conference, Lula emphasized Indonesia’s longstanding role in championing the interests of countries in the Global South. He noted that the conference was a key moment in the push for a fairer international order.
The Brazilian leader also commended President Prabowo for rejecting the use of force in international relations and for promoting international justice at the recent 17th BRICS Summit.
He added that Brazil and Indonesia share the same stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue.
“Like Brazil, Indonesia consistently maintains that dialogue is the only way out of the war in Ukraine. I thank President Prabowo for Indonesia’s participation in the Group of Friends for Peace, initiated by China and Brazil,” he said.
Turning to bilateral ties, Lula noted both countries share similar goals in addressing poverty, hunger, and climate change.
He also praised Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, which aims to improve the nutrition of schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers across the country.
Highlighting interregional cooperation, Lula called for stronger ties between South America and Southeast Asia.
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Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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