BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) --The visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to China is of great significance under the current international situation characterized by change and turmoil, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Noting that China and Brazil are both major developing countries, major emerging markets and important members of the BRICS group and the Global South, Spokesperson Lin Jian said the China-Brazil relations have always been at the forefront of China's relations with developing countries.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lula is on a state visit to China from May 10 to 14.

China and Brazil celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, Lin noted.

During President Xi's successful state visit to Brazil in 2024, the two heads of state jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, and the establishment of synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil's development strategies, Lin said, adding that the bilateral ties have moved into a new historical period.

"President Lula is the leader of a major Latin American country and a senior international statesman with significant influence," said Lin, noting that this is Lula's sixth visit to China, and his second since 2023.

This visit will further enrich the strategic connotation of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, and demonstrate the resolute commitment and responsibility of China and Brazil to lead the Global South countries in strengthening solidarity and cooperation and promoting regional and world stability and prosperity, Lin said.

During his visit, President Lula will attend the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, Lin added.

China attaches great importance to Brazil's significant role in the affairs of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and is willing to work with Brazil to promote new developments in the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future, he said. ■