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President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung greet flower children at a luncheon meeting with Korean compatriots at a hotel in São Paulo, Brazil, on July 28 (local time). / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to Brazil, met with local Korean compatriots on July 28 (local time) and praised them, saying, "Working harder and more diligently than anyone else, you have deeply rooted trust in Korean people within Brazilian society."

President Lee hosted a luncheon meeting with Korean expats at a hotel in downtown São Paulo that day, referring to the history of Korean immigration to Brazil that began in 1956, and said, "What the Korean community in Brazil has achieved over the past 60-plus years is not just economic accomplishment."

President Lee noted, "I heard that you have not only transformed the streetscapes in front of our shops and the neatly maintained Koreatown in São Paulo, but also significantly changed the perception of the local community."

President Lee emphasized, "President Lula of Brazil, whom I met for the fifth time yesterday, also expressed deep trust in and high expectations for our Korean community. It is clear that your everyday efforts accumulated over time to build today's proud Korean community in Brazil."

He added, "Upon the trust built by our expats, relations between South Korea and Brazil are deepening further. The very first state guest I welcomed as president this year was President Lula of Brazil."

Mentioning the elevation of bilateral ties between South Korea and Brazil to a Strategic Partnership, President Lee said, "Now, going beyond simply exchanging resources and goods, our two nations will pioneer a future of shared prosperity together by combining South Korea's technology and innovation with Brazil's abundant resources and vast market."

President Lee then stressed, "In this new era of cooperation, the role of our expats is more important than ever," asking them to serve as civilian diplomats.

He also said, "Please feel free to share many of your opinions."

Furthermore, President Lee remarked, "President Lula asked me to send his best regards to you all when I see you. Truly," drawing laughter from the audience.

He continued, "He told me, 'In this world, you and I are the only presidents with a background as workers.' He also said, 'How many people in the world have experienced hardship firsthand and run with all their heart to solve those difficulties? Let us two work hard together.' He is a wonderful person."

                                                                                                             Hong Sun-mi