(Photo from MPC Pool)
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Brazil signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on Saturday to strengthen agricultural cooperation and improve the enforcement of competition laws as the two countries moved to deepen bilateral relations.
The agreements were presented during a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The first agreement, signed by the Philippine Department of Agriculture and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, seeks to expand cooperation in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
It covers agricultural research and innovation, agribusiness capacity development and improvements in agricultural value chains.
The second MOU, signed by the Philippine Competition Commission and Brazil’s Council for Economic Defense, aims to strengthen cooperation in implementing and enforcing competition laws in both countries.
The agreement is expected to facilitate closer coordination between the two competition authorities in promoting fair market practices.
Marcos, Lula discuss stronger bilateral cooperation
Lula arrived in the Philippines as Guest of the Chair for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for November 15 to 17.
Marcos invited the Brazilian leader to participate in the summit plenary as part of efforts to expand ASEAN’s engagement with countries outside Southeast Asia.
The Philippine president accorded Lula arrival honors at the PICC, followed by the signing of the guestbook and a private meeting between the two leaders.
Marcos and Lula subsequently held bilateral discussions covering trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, and defense cooperation.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the talks focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Historic visit marks 80 years of diplomatic ties
Lula’s visit marks the first time a sitting Brazilian president has traveled to the Philippines.
The historic visit also coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Manila and Brasília, established in 1946.
The signing of the agreements highlights efforts by both governments to strengthen economic cooperation and institutional partnerships.
The bilateral meeting took place ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which the Philippines is hosting under its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”
