Lula: “Brazil-Japan relationship reaches new dimension”

“The relationship between Brazil and Japan has moved to a new level.” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's statement on Wednesday, March 26, reflects the outcome of a process that resulted in the signing of ten agreements and 80 cooperation instruments between the two countries, as part of a series of agendas set by the President and his entourage in the Asian country. The press statement, as well as a bilateral meeting with Japan's Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, in Tokyo, emphasized the strengthening of ties. It was decided that the heads of state will visit each other every two years.

We agreed that bilateral trade of 11 billion dollars does not match the size of our economies. Our goal is to exceed the USD 17 billion recorded in 2011. We decided to hold periodic meetings every two years, reflecting the level of ambition of the Brazil-Japan relationship””

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic of Brazila

» Full text of President Lula's speech

» Full text of the measures taken during President Lula's visit to Japan (in Portuguese)

“We signed ten agreements with the Japanese government. Another 80 cooperation instruments were signed by sub-national entities, universities, research institutes and companies. We agreed that bilateral trade of 11 billion dollars does not match to the size of our economies. Our goal is to exceed USD 17 billion, as recorded in 2011. The business forum held this morning (March 26) broadened horizons for cooperation with the private sector and we decided to hold periodic meetings every two years, reflecting the level of ambition of the Brazil-Japan relationship,” Lula said.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, made clear his country's intention to strengthen trade relations with Mercosur and to act strongly and closely on environmental issues and the fight against climate change. The Japanese leader highlighted his intention of increasing the use of biofuels to speed up decarbonization in the automotive sector, to cooperate to recover degraded lands in Brazil and to work towards opening up the Japanese market to Brazilian meat exports.

“The economic, commercial and investment relationship between Japan and Brazil has great potential. To date, the two countries have built a beneficial relationship based on mutual complementarity. I want to celebrate the visit of the Brazilian Economic Mission, with more than 100 members and the announcement of approximately 80 cooperation projects at public and private level with Japan. Today, the two countries have become global and strategic partners, sharing values and principles and working together on the international stage,” said Ishiba.

MERCOSUR AND EMBRAER – Lula highlighted the agreement between All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan's largest airline, and EMBRAER, which resulted in the purchase of 15 Brazilian jets, with the possibility of acquiring another five, (in Portuguese) in a deal worth around BRL 10 billion. He also highlighted the role that Mercosur can play in trade relations with the Asian country.

“I hope to begin negotiations for an agreement with Japan during Brazil's Mercosur presidency next semester. The purchase of EMBRAER aircraft by Japanese companies demonstrates the industry's capacity. Japan's recent decision to increase the use of biofuels in transportation and aviation creates opportunities for collaboration on the energy transition. Decarbonization is a path of no return and is fully compatible with the goal of energy security,” said Lula.

COP30 - The Brazilian President took advantage of the moment in front of the Brazilian and Japanese press to call on world leaders to take part in a global effort against climate change, with ambitious targets linked to the goal of preventing the planet from warming by more than 1.5°C. “Brazil's NDC reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 59% to 67% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. The Prime Minister and I agree that sustainability, peace, and democracy are essential for the future of the planet.”

AMAZON FUND - Shigeru Ishiba said that Japan had made a contribution of USD 5 million to the Response Fund to support developing countries in combating climate change. Lula praised the initiative. “Japan has also become the first Asian country to contribute to the Amazon Fund. Japan and Brazil will continue to work together on measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change, combat deforestation, and prevent natural disasters. The Prime Minister and I agree that sustainability, peace, and democracy are essential for the future of the planet,” emphasized Lula. 

MULTILATERALISM – In his analyses of world geopolitics, the Brazilian leader once again stressed the importance of multilateralism and the defense of lasting peace on the planet. “Extremism, hate speech, and fake news undermine institutions and foster intolerance. 2025 will be a key year for multilateralism. We need to unite around the common interests of humanity,” said Lula.

GLOBAL ALLIANCE – Another point highlighted by the Brazilian President was Japan's membership of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, launched by Brazil in November 2024 during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. 

AGREEMENTS – The signing of agreements included ministers Mauro Vieira (Foreign Affairs), Silvio Costa Filho (Ports and Airports), Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy), Luciana Santos (Science and Technology), Carlos Fávaro (Agriculture), Marina Silva (Environment), Camilo Santana (Education), Juscelino Filho (Communications) and Waldez Góes (Integration), as well as Márcio Rosa (executive secretary at the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services). The ceremony also featured the presidents of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, and the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta, among other authorities.

Below is a list of the agreements signed between Brazil and Japan:

1. Action Plan for the Brazil-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership (2025-2030)

2. Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan

3. Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan, on the Brazil-Japan Industrial Integration Initiative

4. Memorandum of Cooperation among the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Ports and Airports of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, on the Initiative for Sustainable Fuels and Mobility (ISFM)

5. Memorandum of Cooperation on Education between the Ministry of Education of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan

6. Memorandum of Cooperation in the area of Information and Communication Technologies and digital inclusion between the Ministry of Communications of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan

7. Letter of Intent among the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming of the Federative Republic of Brazil, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan, to Strengthen Cooperation in the Fields of Recovery of Pastures and Degraded Agricultural Lands in Brazil

8. Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Government of Japan, in the Area of Science, Technology, and Innovation

9. Memorandum of Cooperation among the Ministry of Health of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan

10. Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan and the Cabinet Office on Water-Related Disaster Risk Reduction