Brasilia, Aug. 25, 2026 (Lusa) - Brazilian President Lula da Silva has told his Turkish counterpart, Recep Erdoğan, that Brazil intends to increase investment in the defence sector and foster partnerships between companies from both countries in this area.

Details of the telephone conversation between the two heads of state were released by the Planalto Palace in a statement on Monday.

According to the same statement, the two also agreed to send a Brazilian delegation to Turkey, led by the defence minister and the minister of development, industry and trade.

Lula and Erdoğan also welcomed the recent ratification by the parliaments of both countries of the Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement, according to the Brazilian Government's statement.

The two heads of state also agreed to establish a Strategic Council, at vice-presidential level, to draw up a roadmap for deepening bilateral relations between Brazil and Turkey.

During their conversation, Lula da Silva and Erdoğan expressed regret at the persistence of conflicts in various parts of the world and emphasised the importance of intensifying dialogue to find paths to peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, according to the statement.

The statement also notes that Lula accepted Erdoğan's invitation for Brazil to participate in COP31 on climate change, which will be held in Antalya, Turkey, in November.

According to the Brazilian Government's foreign trade platform, consulted by Lusa, the main products exported by Brazil to Turkey include soya, raw cotton, iron ore and concentrates, unroasted coffee, maize, pulp and beef.

Between January and July this year, Brazil exported $3.4 billion – equivalent to €2.91 billion at the current exchange rate – to Turkey, a rise of 29.6% compared with the same period in 2025.

Imports, meanwhile, totalled $718.1 million – around €615.6 million – over the same period.

MYMA/AYLS // AYLS

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