Bolsonaro attends deal signing ceremony with Hungary

President Jair Bolsonaro arrived around 9:20 am today (5:20 am Brasília time, Feb. 17) in Budapest, Hungary, for a brief official visit. After landing, the president and his entourage headed to the Sándor palace for the first official ceremony of the day.

Bolsonaro was welcomed by Hungarian President János Áder with military honors before the two held their meeting. Bolsonaro was also received by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

At 1:30 pm (9:30 am Brasília time), Bolsonaro and Orbán took part in an International Acts Exchange ceremony, followed by a press release.

Brazilian Defense Minister Walter Braga Netto and his Hungarian counterpart Tibor Benko signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. Next, Brazilian Chancellor Carlos Alberto França and Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó signed two memorandums—one for the promotion of humanitarian efforts and the other for water management and sanitation.

After the signing, Bolsonaro and Orbán wrote a joint statement to the press. The Brazilian leader said he considers Hungary “a big little brother.” “Little if we take into account our the dimensions of our territory and big in the values we represent, which can be summed up in four words: God, homeland, family, and freedom.”

Bolsonaro also said the meeting proved useful as important agreements and protocols of intentions were signed.

Afterwards, the president is set to have lunch with Orbán and meet with László Köver, head of the Hungarian National Assembly.

Jair Bolsonaro should return to Brazil right after his engagements in Budapest. As soon as he lands in Rio de Janeiro, the president is expected fly over the region of Petrópolis, north of Rio de Janeiro, which was severely affected by heavy rains.