Xi: China, Brazil ties at 'best period in history'

President Xi Jinping holds talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia on Wednesday.LI XUEREN/XINHUA

China and Brazil announced on Wednesday that they would elevate their bilateral ties to a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Both sides also pledged to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Latin American nation's development strategies.

President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a joint declaration to advance bilateral ties after holding talks at the president's official residence on the second day of the Chinese president's state visit to Brazil.

"The China-Brazil relationship is at its best period in history," Xi said, before noting that "the most wonderful chapter" of China-Brazil relations is yet to come.

The Chinese president, on his first visit to the nation in five years, was given a grand welcome. Xi's official state car was escorted by a cavalry of 120 dragoons, and his arrival also featured a marching honor guard.

The elevation of bilateral ties marked another historic moment in China-Brazil relations, Xi said.

"It meets the expectations of both peoples, gives impetus and support to the modernization of the two countries, and demonstrates the resolve to jointly defend international fairness and justice and promote common development of the world."

He underlined Beijing's readiness to work with Brasilia to continually enrich China-Brazil relations in new era, to be "golden partners" who help each other succeed, to keep working toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind and creating a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva take part in the signing of bilateral agreements in Brasilia, Brazil, on Wednesday.SHENG JIAPENG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Xi called on both nations to continue to strengthen strategic mutual trust, supporting each other on core issues such as sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

As trusted strategic partners, the two sides should set an example of solidarity, cooperation and shared development among Global South nations, he said.

Synergizing the BRI with the development strategies of Brazil should be used as a historic opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade, infrastructure, finance, technology and environmental protection, and to expand collaboration in space exploration, agricultural technology and clean energy, he continued.

Xi also called on both sides to remain committed to multilateralism and jointly push for a fairer global governance system. He highlighted the need to ensure the continued success of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, including steps to better align the BRI with the strengths and demands of Latin America and the Caribbean region.

During a joint news conference with Brazilian president, Xi mentioned the six-point proposals between China and Brazil to push for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, calling for greater voices for peace.

On the Middle East crisis, Xi told reporters: "We're deeply concerned about the ongoing escalation of the Gaza conflict and call for an immediate cease-fire to halt the violence. Efforts must be made to implement the two-state solution and tirelessly pursue a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife Rosangela da Silva warmly welcome President Xi Jinping and hold a grand welcome ceremony for Xi, prior to the talks between Xi and Lula, in Brasilia, Brazil, Nov 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Lula said that the two nations will prioritize cooperation in sustainable development, infrastructure, finance, energy transition and space exploration as part of broader steps to elevate relations to new heights.

He noted that China is Brazil's largest partner for trade and investment, and that Chinese companies have strongly facilitated his country's socioeconomic development.

Brazil is China's ninth-largest trading partner. China is Brazil's largest trading partner, with trade reaching $181.53 billion in 2023, a 6.1 percent year-on-year increase, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Lula mentioned the two nations' highly aligned positions over major international development and security issues. "In a world marred by armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Brazil and China have consistently prioritized peaceful diplomacy and dialogue," he said.

Ana Celia Castro, a senior fellow at the Brazilian Center for International Relations, said it is significant for Brazil and China to align their development strategies for more concrete results. "We need an umbrella to embrace all activities together, covering various aspects including education, culture and economy," she said, adding that she believes that such an umbrella could be the BRI.