South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Brazil for a state visit on July 27 (local time), where Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed him with an embrace and walked arm-in-arm to the presidential residence in Brasília. The visit marks the first state visit by a South Korean president to Brazil in 11 years. Brazil organized a high-level welcome ceremony at the presidential palace square, deploying cavalry honor guards, military bands, and multiple cabinet ministers to receive the visiting leader. The warm reception reflects deepening bilateral ties, with this being the third meeting between the two presidents in 2026 following Lula's state visit to South Korea in February and their encounter at the G7 summit in Evian in June.
Brazil Organizes High-Level Welcome Ceremony for Lee Jae-myung
The Brazilian government held an official welcome ceremony at the presidential palace square in Brasília on July 27. Cavalry and honor guards lined both sides of the central road spanning several hundred meters from the presidential palace entrance to the residence. Honor guards wearing traditional Brazilian Independence Dragoon uniforms stood along both sides of the red carpet in front of the residence. A military band positioned on one side, while the South Korean and Brazilian flags stood side by side on the opposite side.
Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin attended the ceremony along with ministers of foreign affairs, industry, science and technology, agriculture, education, health, mining, and sports. From the South Korean delegation, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac, and Chief of Policy Kim Yong-beom participated.
President Lee's vehicle arrived at the presidential palace around 10:30 a.m. local time, escorted by Brazilian mounted honor guards. President Lula and First Lady Rosângela da Silva personally came out to the red carpet to greet the visitors. President Lula wore a straw hat wrapped with a green band symbolizing the Brazilian presidency and a dark gray suit. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung wore a light pink two-piece suit, while First Lady Rosângela wore a white lace blouse and pants.
Lula and Lee Display Close Personal Rapport During Arrival
The two leaders shook hands and then embraced each other, exchanging brief conversation with bright smiles. First Ladies Kim and Rosângela also greeted each other warmly with an embrace. During the welcome ceremony, an honor guard composed of a military band, riflemen, and cavalry marched to celebrate the state visit.
After the approximately 10-minute ceremony concluded, the two leaders moved to the presidential residence. During this transition, President Lula naturally linked arms with President Lee and walked into the residence while conversing.
Third Presidential Meeting in 2026 Strengthens Bilateral Ties
The two leaders reunited approximately one month after the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Evian, France in June. Previously in February, President Lula visited South Korea as a state guest, making this their third meeting in 2026.
Summit Agenda Covers Rare Earth Minerals and Trade Negotiations
The bilateral summit on July 27 addressed supply chain cooperation including rare earth minerals, where Brazil holds the world's second-largest reserves, and the resumption of negotiations for a Korea-Mercosur (Southern Common Market) trade agreement.
FAQ
What ceremony did Brazil organize for President Lee Jae-myung on July 27?
Brazil held an official welcome ceremony at the presidential palace square in Brasília featuring cavalry honor guards, military bands, and honor guards in traditional Brazilian Independence Dragoon uniforms. Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and multiple cabinet ministers attended to receive President Lee.
How many times have Presidents Lee and Lula met in 2026?
The July 27 meeting in Brazil marks the third encounter between the two leaders in 2026. They previously met in February when President Lula made a state visit to South Korea, and in June at the G7 summit in Evian, France.
What topics were discussed at the Korea-Brazil summit on July 27?
The summit addressed supply chain cooperation including rare earth minerals (where Brazil holds the world's second-largest reserves) and the resumption of negotiations for a Korea-Mercosur trade agreement.
