RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday that Brazil is working to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to the presidential office.

Speaking in Jakarta during his official visit to Indonesia, Lula expressed hopes for stronger ties with ASEAN.

"I hope we can continue strengthening our relationship and move forward with a positive outlook. The world today demands greater negotiating capacity and willingness from political leaders," Lula said after meeting ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

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Lula highlighted Brazil's growing cooperation with the bloc, particularly through development projects connecting Southeast Asia and South America.