Jakarta, Oct 23 (NationPress) The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, declared on Thursday a new educational policy that positions Portuguese as a key language within Indonesia's schooling framework.

This initiative coincides with the conclusion of four significant agreements between Indonesia and Brazil in areas such as science, technology and innovation, energy and mineral resources, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and statistical cooperation. This signing took place during the State Visit of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking the first visit by a Brazilian President to Indonesia since 2008.

During a working meeting, Lula and Subianto explored various bilateral, regional, and multilateral topics. They are also set to engage in the Brazil-Indonesia Economic Forum, which will gather prominent leaders from the private sectors of both nations.

"Today marks the beginning of my mission through Indonesia and Malaysia, culminating in my participation at the ASEAN Summit. Southeast Asia stands as one of the most vibrant regions globally. ASEAN is already Brazil's fifth largest trading partner, and Asia will be a central focus of our international agenda in 2025," posted Lula on X upon his arrival in Jakarta.

On Friday, Lula will visit the ASEAN headquarters, where he will meet with Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Brazil is unique among Latin American countries in maintaining a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN, which facilitates political coordination and multisectoral cooperation.

Brazil and Indonesia formed a Strategic Partnership in 2008, marking Brazil's inaugural partnership in Southeast Asia. The relationship has strengthened in various sectors, including agricultural trade, bioenergy, defense, and sustainable development. In 2024, bilateral trade achieved a record of USD 6.3 billion, with a Brazilian surplus of USD 2.6 billion.

Subianto expressed, "It is once again a tremendous honor to welcome Your Excellency and your delegation to Jakarta, following my visit to Brasilia last July. I appreciate the warm reception I received during my state visit to Brazil. Now, as the President of Brazil reciprocates with this state visit, I extend my gratitude once more."

President Lula is also set to participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from October 26-28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a Guest of the Chair. This summit, hosted by Malaysia under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, will bring together leaders from ASEAN Member States and key external partners to enhance regional collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability.

This visit will be Lula da Silva's first official engagement in Malaysia since starting a new term in January 2023. He will be joined by First Lady Janja Lula da Silva, along with several Brazilian cabinet ministers and senior officials.

On October 25, Lula will receive an official welcome ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex, followed by a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Seri Perdana Complex. Both leaders are expected to assess the progress of Malaysia-Brazil relations and identify new opportunities to bolster cooperation in key strategic sectors, including trade, investment, semiconductors, science, technology, renewable energy, and biofuels, as well as the Halal industry, agriculture, and health education.

In recognition of Lula da Silva's contributions and leadership toward international development, particularly for the Global South, he will receive an Honorary Doctorate in International Development and the Global South from the National University of Malaysia (UKM) during a Special Convocation Ceremony on October 25.