Accra: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday that Brazil is working to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to the presidential office.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Lula expressed hopes for stronger ties with ASEAN while speaking in Jakarta during his official visit to Indonesia. “I hope we can continue strengthening our relationship and move forward with a positive outlook. The world today demands greater negotiating capacity and willingness from political leaders,” Lula stated after meeting ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

Lula highlighted Brazil’s growing cooperation with the bloc, focusing on development projects connecting Southeast Asia and South America.