On the afternoon of May 19, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks at the Great Hall of the People with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is here for a state visit. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on furthering China-Brazil strategic partnership, as well as major international and regional issues of common concern, and reached extensive consensus. They also decided to start to formulate a Joint Action Plan.

In the talks, Hu reviewed the 35-year-long diplomatic ties between China and Brazil, particularly the period since both forged strategic partnership in 1993. He said in the new century, bilateral relations have fully advanced, citing frequent leaders' exchanges and increasing mutual political trust. The China-Brazil high-level coordination and cooperation committee, strategic dialogue and other bilateral mechanisms were established successively. "Our trade cooperation has expanded continuously as both sides fulfilled ahead of the schedule the target of doubling the trade within three years," Hu said. Both sides made new headway on cooperation in major areas and key projects with humanities exchanges being unique and more dynamic. Bilateral cooperation in international and regional affairs is also closer.

Hu made a four-point proposal on how to open up new prospect for China-Brazil strategic partnership by taking stock of the past and planning for the future. First, deepen political relations based on equality and mutual trust. Both sides should make use of bilateral and multilateral occasions to maintain frequent contacts at high and other levels. The departments and agencies under bilateral high-level coordination and cooperation committee should cooperate closely and make careful preparations to map out the joint action plan between the two governments and ensure the success of the second meeting of bilateral high-level coordination and cooperation committee. Second, expand mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation. Both sides should continue to take measures to maintain trade growth and promote a sustained and balanced development of bilateral trade. Hu proposed that both countries work more closely in such key areas as infrastructure, energy, minerals, manufacturing and agriculture. Both sides should encourage mutual investment and well implement relevant cooperative projects. Both sides should deepen scientific and technological cooperation and cultivate new highlights. The two countries should enhance cooperation under the earth resources exploring satellite program known as CBERS. He also called for stronger financial cooperation and expanded business exchanges to provide more forms of financing guarantee and financial services for bilateral economic, trade and technological cooperation. The China-Brazil mixed committee on economic and trade cooperation and the entrepreneurs' committee should bring into better play their guiding, coordinating and bridging role. Third, promote humanities exchanges. There is huge potential for bilateral humanities exchanges, as both countries boast diversified culture. Both sides should give play to their respective characteristics to expand exchanges and cooperation on culture, education, journalism, tourism and sports. Fourth, keep closer coordinated multilateral cooperation. Currently, the international situation remains complex and volatile and global challenges are increasing obviously. China attaches and appreciates Brazil's important role in international and regional affairs and is ready to continue enhancing consultation and coordination with Brazil within the international organizations and multilateral frameworks. Hu urged both sides to continue to push forward regional and cross-regional cooperation and jointly cope with risks and challenges, in a bid to safeguard world peace and stability and promote common development and prosperity.

Lula echoed Hu's proposal on further developing bilateral ties, holding that it will play an important role in guiding the development of bilateral ties in the future. Lula said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 35 years ago, bilateral relations have made substantial progress and stepped into the track of sound development. This visit will further advance bilateral ties, he added. China has become Brazil's biggest trading partner. Both sides should push for trade cooperation, hold the second meeting of bilateral high-level coordination and cooperation committee and map out a joint action plan between the two governments. He said the important deals on energy and finance will offer new opportunities for business cooperation between both countries. Brazil is ready to work with China to expand all-round cooperation in science, technology and other areas, strengthen communication and coordination on major international issues and lift bilateral ties to a new level.

Following the talks, Hu and Lula signed a joint communiqué and attended the signing ceremony of other cooperative documents.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a welcoming ceremony for Lula's visit on the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhou Tienong, State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Sun Jiazheng, Vice Chairperson of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Pan Guiyu, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping and Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Qiu Xiaoqi attended the welcoming ceremony.