Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began a state visit to China today, which will run from May 10 to 14, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two nations.

According to the ministry’s spokesperson, the visit will include high-level discussions on economic and trade issues, as well as talks on regional and international matters of mutual interest, particularly focusing on strategic partnerships in energy, technology, and trade.

China has been Brazil’s largest trading partner since 2009, with trade primarily centered on agricultural commodities, minerals, and oil. In recent years, Beijing has increased its investments in infrastructure and energy projects in Brazil, aiming to expand its economic influence in Latin America.

Brazil is also a member of the BRICS alliance, which includes China, Russia, India, and South Africa, a bloc formed to develop economic cooperation independent of Western influence.