President Lee Jae-myung said at a state dinner with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the 23rd that "the peoples of both nations will overcome physical distance to engage in deep exchanges and share bonds of trust."
President Lee made the remarks at the state dinner held at the Cheong Wa Dae State Guest House with President Lula and his wife during their state visit to Korea. "Since entering politics, I have often heard that President Lula's political journey and life trajectory closely resemble my own," President Lee said. "Like President Lula, I too began my working life as a boy laborer in factories. Though the circumstances were difficult for a young boy to bear, my roots as a factory worker remain a source of unwavering pride."
He continued, "Both my anger at unjust realities and the satisfaction of heading home after work were lessons I learned in that oil-stained factory over 40 years ago. Having endured a difficult childhood, I harbored a dream more fervent than anyone's to live in a fair country. The value of labor and human dignity I learned firsthand became the driving force behind my aspiration for a better world." He added, "Because we share such similar life trajectories, meeting President Lula for the first time felt like reuniting with an old comrade, a dear friend."
President Lee also noted, "Brazilian chicken, pork, corn, and soybeans have long been staples on Korean dinner tables, and the aroma and flavor of Brazilian coffee have become a familiar part of our daily ritual of enjoying a cup after lunch. The growing exchanges among our young people will serve as precious nourishment to deepen our bilateral friendship."
In particular, he emphasized, "Our proud Korean companies are a core pillar of our bilateral relations. Samsung and LG Electronics, established in the Amazon hub of Manaus, have a 30-year history of shared growth, taking responsibility for local production, employment, and education." He added, "Hyundai Motor, which has become a reliable means of transportation for the Brazilian people, is now focusing on eco-friendly vehicle development in step with Brazil's climate crisis response. Late last year, a Korean company attempted to launch its first commercial rocket, 'Hanbit Nano,' from Brazil's Alcântara Space Center."
He expressed confidence that "the long-standing and steadily developing friendly relations between our two nations, combined with Korea and Brazil's different strengths and potential, will propel our cooperation forward toward a better future without hesitation."
President Lula said, "Since learning about your life journey, I have felt like we are brothers. Traditional politicians never thought we would become presidents. We were persecuted, but we persevered on our path."
He stated, "Nobel Peace Prize laureate former President Kim Dae-jung said that 'democracy is the only path to sustainable economic development and social justice.' Instead of hatred, we offer hope." He added, "Music, food, and culture are important mediums connecting our two societies and peoples. First Lady Janja was able to feel Korea's development and warmth through the eyes of Brazilians living here. Korea and Brazil also share connections through sports."
Mentioning taekwondo and soccer, President Lula said, "We will further develop these connections, strengthen existing ties, and have established a relationship of common transformation, prosperity, and solidarity."
The state dinner was organized around the theme of Korea-Brazil cultural harmony. The Woong San Band and the Brilhante Children's Choir performed, while the toast was made with a cocktail featuring cachaça, Brazil's national spirit. The cocktail incorporated Korean elements by adding lime, yuzu syrup, tangerine juice, and ginger beer to cachaça.
The main course was galbi barbecue inspired by Brazilian churrasco. Chef Yoo Yong-wook, who appeared on the Netflix program "Culinary Class Wars 2," presented a modern reinterpretation of galbi, personally explaining and serving the dish at the head table.
The dinner menu began with an appetizer featuring Brazilian mango and East Coast snow crab, followed by black bean porridge inspired by feijoada, Brazil's national dish; sasiljuk skewers of grilled cod and minced shrimp; two types of galbi with tri-color ssam rice; and yuzu hwachae with açaí berry jelly.
Attendees included key figures from Cheong Wa Dae, the government, and the National Assembly, as well as Jeon Soon-ok, director of the Jeon Tae-il Memorial Hall; Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics; Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG Group; Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; soccer player Serjão; and Gabriela Dalcin, a member of K-pop girl group BLACKSWAN.