ASEAN Chief Makes Historic Brazil Visit to Deepen Cooperation and Global South Ties
Brasília, August 23, 2026: ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn has completed a landmark working visit to Brazil, marking the first-ever visit by an ASEAN Secretary-General to the South American country and highlighting the growing strategic relationship between Southeast Asia and Brazil.
Kao Kim Hourn visited Brazil from August 18 to 21 at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The visit focused on expanding practical cooperation between ASEAN and Brazil across trade, investment, energy, agriculture, climate action, technology and other areas.
First ASEAN Secretary-General visit to Brazil
The historic trip provided an opportunity to assess progress under the ASEAN-Brazil Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, which was established in 2022.
During meetings in Brasília and São Paulo, Kao held discussions with senior Brazilian government officials, business representatives, academics and other stakeholders. The talks examined ways to strengthen cooperation and create more opportunities for practical engagement between the two regions.
Brazil has become an increasingly important partner for ASEAN in Latin America, particularly because of its economic size, agricultural expertise, renewable-energy capabilities and role in wider Global South cooperation.
Trade and investment at the centre
Economic cooperation was one of the major themes of the visit. ASEAN and Brazil discussed opportunities to increase trade and investment flows and build stronger links between businesses.
The ASEAN-Brazil cooperation framework for 2024-2028 covers a broad range of sectors and is intended to translate the partnership into practical projects. These include trade and investment, food security, renewable energy, science and technology, tourism, education and climate-related cooperation.
In São Paulo, Kao also met representatives of the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo to discuss ways of strengthening commercial connections between Brazilian companies and ASEAN economies.
Cooperation expands beyond economics
The discussions went beyond trade. Officials examined cooperation on transnational crime, judicial affairs, agriculture, food security, renewable energy, climate change, tourism, education and technological innovation.
Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and a rules-based international order, while emphasizing the potential role of Global South partnerships in promoting sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Tourism was another area of discussion, with both sides exploring sustainable tourism, investment promotion, destination marketing and stronger people-to-people connections.
Brazil seeks deeper engagement with ASEAN
The visit comes as Brazil seeks to strengthen its relationship with the Southeast Asian bloc.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has expressed interest in expanding Brazil’s status within ASEAN’s partnership structure. During meetings with Kao, Brazilian officials highlighted opportunities for increased trade and cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, food security, agriculture, renewable energy and climate action.
The two sides are also building parliamentary and institutional links. Kao met the president of the Brazil-ASEAN Parliamentary Front, Waldemar Oliveira, to discuss cooperation involving trade, investment, agriculture and sustainable development.
Looking toward a stronger Global South partnership
The visit is being viewed as another step in the expansion of ASEAN’s engagement beyond the Indo-Pacific and Brazil’s efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.
With ASEAN representing a major economic and consumer market and Brazil serving as one of Latin America’s largest economies, officials see considerable potential for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, food production, technology and environmental initiatives.
The ASEAN Secretariat said the two sides remain committed to developing a dynamic partnership that delivers tangible benefits to their populations. The relationship is also expected to receive further attention as ASEAN and Brazil approach the fifth anniversary of their Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in 2027.
The historic visit therefore marks more than a diplomatic milestone. It signals an effort by ASEAN and Brazil to build stronger bridges between Southeast Asia and South America at a time when countries across the Global South are seeking greater economic diversification and deeper cooperation.
