A Japanese executive delegation welcomed Lula at the Haneda airport in this capital.

The Brazilian president’s official visit will last until March 27 and expects to meet with Naruhito, Emperor of Japan, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

According to information provided by both governments, the two nations’ political and economic interests will be discussed possibilities for further rapprochement.

Brazilian official sources informed that Lula will explore Japan’s possible interest in opening trade negotiations with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), an economic bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia.

This regional mechanism also has seven associated states: Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, and Panama. The latter is the first country outside South America to achieve this status.

After visiting Japan, Lula will travel to Vietnam on March 27 for an official visit. He expects to meet with that country’s high authorities.

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