MANILA — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will undertake a state visit to the Philippines on Nov. 14-15 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the government announced Tuesday.

The visit will take place ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which the Philippines will host as chair of the regional bloc.

Marcos has also invited Lula to attend the 49th ASEAN Summit Plenary as Guest of the Chair. Brazil is an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

Marcos will welcome the Brazilian leader at the Philippine International Convention Center, where they are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on strengthening cooperation, including in multilateral forums and among countries of the Global South.

The visit will mark the first time a sitting Brazilian president has traveled to the Philippines. It also coincides with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year.

The Philippines and Brazil are seeking to expand cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, defense, and technical assistance.

Brazil, the largest country and economy in Latin America, is considered a key partner as the Marcos administration seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ engagement with the region.