Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Biography Flash a weekly Biography.
In the past few days, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has emerged as one of the world's most prominent dealmakers, bridge-builders, and firebrands—all at once. Since arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the 47th ASEAN Summit—his first official visit to Malaysia as president since 2023—Lula made his presence felt both inside and outside the summit halls. According to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lula was welcomed at a formal ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex, where he met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for a wide-ranging, top-level bilateral discussion. They reviewed everything from booming Malaysia-Brazil trade—which hit $4.5 billion last year—to cooperation on semiconductors, biofuels, the halal industry, health, and education. The talks culminated in the signing of several agreements on science, tech, diplomacy, and genetics, with Lula even being awarded an honorary doctorate in International Development from Malaysia’s National University—a clear nod to his global influence as a voice for the Global South.
But Lula’s real headline-grabbing moment came offstage. On Sunday, just hours ago, he sat down with US President Donald Trump—described by Reuters as the first official meeting since Washington slapped 50% tariffs on most Brazilian goods and imposed sanctions on Brazilian officials linked to the prosecution of Lula's predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. The Malaysian Daily and Reuters report that Lula emerged bullish, telling the press, “We agreed that our teams will meet immediately to advance the search for solutions to the tariffs and sanctions against Brazilian authorities.” Trump, for his part, said a deal was possible. The tension is real—Brazil’s beef exports have shifted from the US to China, and Brazil’s foreign minister pushed for at least a temporary suspension of the tariffs while negotiations continue. But Lula, ever the pragmatist, downplayed the drama, saying he sees “no reason for conflict with the US.”
Lula’s ASEAN schedule also saw him step onto the global-stage soapbox. At a news conference, the Brazilian president delivered a blistering critique of the UN Security Council, telling reporters, “The United Nations Security Council doesn’t work. It simply doesn’t.” He called out major powers for failing to stop wars, highlighted the plight of Gaza, and railed against broken climate promises, arguing that the poorest pay the highest price for inaction. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a post on social media, praised Lula as a champion of workers’ rights and social justice, specifically noting their mutual commitment to ending the suffering in Gaza and boosting climate action.
Back home, Brazil’s support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice—announced just days ago—drew international attention and was highlighted in Lula’s bilateral talks with Malaysia. Both leaders reaffirmed support for Palestine’s UN membership and called for a more inclusive, reformed United Nations and Security Council—with Lula seeking Malaysia’s backing for Brazil’s permanent seat at the table.
On business, Lula’s team is reported to be negotiating the resumption of Brazilian poultry exports to Malaysia, and both sides are working to resolve a long-running spat over Malaysia’s rubber glove exports to Brazil. Behind the scenes, Lula’s government is also eyeing new partnerships in renewable energy, agriculture tech, and high-value manufacturing.
Social media has been buzzing, too, with Lula’s official account firing off updates about the ASEAN meetings, his climate agenda, and solidarity for Palestinians. Malaysian and Brazilian news outlets have amplified his recent quotes, and regional analysts are already calling this trip a significant step toward a “strategic partnership” between Southeast Asia and Latin America.
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