Este artículo se reconstruyó automáticamente a partir de la fuente verificada: www.chosun.com.
President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed during their summit on the 23rd to elevate bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership” and focused on strengthening cooperation in critical minerals such as rare earth elements. The two leaders adopted a “four-year action plan” to enhance collaboration between South Korea and Brazil and reached a consensus on the necessity of a trade agreement between South Korea and the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR), the largest economic bloc in South America, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The two countries also signed 10 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to deepen cooperation in economic and industrial sectors like critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as science, healthcare, and public security. Following the summit and a state banquet, the leaders are scheduled to share a casual meal of chicken and beer (Chimac) at Sangchunjae in Cheong Wa Dae. President Lee stated in his opening remarks at the expanded summit held at Cheong Wa Dae, “Today, President Lula and I have once again decided to elevate our bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.” This decision marks an upgrade from the “comprehensive cooperative partnership” established in 2004 during President Lula’s first term. The two countries also adopted a four-year action plan to implement the strategic partnership. President Lula is Brazil’s first three-term president. President Lee emphasized, “Going forward, the two countries will expand the horizon of economic cooperation by leveraging each other’s potential and complementary strengths. Additionally, we will institutionalize bilateral cooperation across a wide range of fields, including food security, small and medium-sized enterprises, science and technology, healthcare, critical minerals, energy transition, environment, and space culture.” President Lula highlighted, “Brazil possesses the world’s largest reserves of rare earth elements and significant nickel deposits. We hope to attract investments from South Korean companies in critical minerals.” He also proposed expanding cooperation in healthcare, space, and defense industries. President Lula further stated, “The two countries should discuss green industries, energy transition, and decarbonization” and requested South Korea’s participation in the “Rainforest Preservation Fund,” launched by Brazil last year. He also sought support for former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who recently registered as a candidate for UN Secretary-General, stating, “It is now South America’s turn.” The 10 MOUs signed by the two countries include:
