Brazil's President Lula Welcomes Japan's Prime Minister Kishida, Pushes for Beef Exports
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his first visit to the country. The two leaders met in the capital of Brasilia, where Lula made a strong push for Japan to open its markets to Brazilian beef.
Lula emphasized the high quality and affordability of Brazilian beef, inviting Kishida to experience it firsthand at a steakhouse in São Paulo. He highlighted the significant progress Brazil has made in improving the sanitary conditions of its cattle industry, particularly in areas free from foot-and-mouth disease.
Brazil is the world's largest beef exporter, shipping to over 90 countries. Under Lula's leadership, the country has intensified efforts to expand its beef exports, with 50 countries lifting restrictions since he took office in 2023.
The meeting also addressed environmental concerns. Japan pledged support for restoration initiatives in the degraded areas of the Cerrado, a vast tropical savanna region in Brazil. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development.
Kishida expressed solidarity with the victims of the floods in southern Brazil and highlighted Japan's recent contribution to the Amazon rainforest protection fund. He also acknowledged the strong ties between the two countries, noting the presence of over 2.7 million Japanese citizens and their descendants in Brazil.
Following their meeting in Brasilia, Kishida traveled to Asuncion, Paraguay, to attend a business summit and meet with the Japanese community. He is expected to return to Brazil on Saturday to meet with the Japanese community in São Paulo and deliver a speech at the University of São Paulo.