President Luong Cuong welcomes President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the banquet. Photo: VNA

Welcoming the guests, President Cuong said that for more than three decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Brazil has become Vietnam’s first strategic partner in Latin America. He expressed his pleasure with the outcomes of the bilateral talks, particularly the signing of the 2025-2030 Action Plan for implementing the Strategic Partnership.

“We hope that in the near future, the exchange between the two countries will be expanded, our people and businesses will cooperate more closely, trade more, travel more conveniently and at the same time, the unique cultural values of Brazil will appear more in Vietnam, with our love for football, which is Brazil's strength," President Cuong said. 

"I firmly believe that with the determination and efforts of both sides, the potential and opportunities for cooperation will soon be materialized, meeting the aspirations and interests of the two peoples.”

President Lula da Silva said Vietnam and Brazil have common commitment to sustainable development and the fight against poverty, which he stressed was a key reason for elevating bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in late last year.

He said he hopes that the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties last year would mark the beginning of a new era of bilateral friendship, enabling both nations to work together in addressing today's challenges.