Brazil’s President Lula Praises Indonesia’s Global South Leadership, Welcomes BRICS Membership
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has lauded Indonesia for its historic leadership among developing nations and warmly welcomed its accession as a full member of the BRICS economic group. The statement came during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília on Wednesday, July 9.
According to a statement released by President Prabowo’s office, President Lula praised Indonesia’s pivotal role in hosting the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, West Java—a landmark event that united countries of the Global South in their pursuit of a more equitable international order.
“Welcoming Indonesia as a BRICS member is like opening my house to an old friend,” President Lula remarked, underlining the significance of Indonesia’s official accession to the bloc in January this year.
Reflecting on the Bandung Conference, Lula emphasized Indonesia’s historic commitment to amplifying the collective voice of developing nations. He acknowledged the country’s enduring role in promoting fairness and justice in global affairs.
President Lula also commended President Prabowo for his principled stance at the recent 17th BRICS Summit, particularly his rejection of the use of force in international relations and advocacy for global justice. He further praised Indonesia’s alignment with Brazil’s position on the Ukraine conflict.
“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,” Lula stated.
Turning to bilateral relations, both leaders identified shared priorities in tackling poverty, hunger, and climate change. Lula expressed admiration for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, which aims to improve the health of schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers nationwide.
Calling for broader cooperation, the Brazilian President advocated for stronger ties between South America and Southeast Asia, highlighting the need to enhance interregional collaboration in addressing common global challenges.
The visit marks a significant step in deepening Brazil–Indonesia relations and underscores the shared commitment of both countries to promoting peace, equity, and sustainable development on the international stage.
