Lula delays China trip by one day due to mild pneumonia
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has delayed his trip to China after being diagnosed with mild pneumonia. Last night (Mar. 23), President Lula underwent tests at Brasília’s Sírio Libanês hospital after returning from trips to the states of Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro.
Today (24), Lula remains at the official residence in the capital. The meetings with ministers that were slated to take place at the Planalto presidential palace were called off.
His takeoff had been scheduled for Saturday (25). On Lula’s social media, his office confirmed it was put off to Sunday (26).
“President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is at the Alvorada [residence] following exams at the Sírio Libanês hospital last night. He is suffering from mild pneumonia and as a result has postponed the start of his trip to China to Sunday,” the text reads.
Engagements
The main diplomatic events of President Lula’s visit are scheduled for Tuesday (28), when he is expected to meet with China’s President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, head of the National People’s Assembly.
It will be the president’ first visit to an Asian country after assuming his third mandate. It is also his third trip overseas after taking office—so far, Lula has been to Argentina and the US. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry estimates that at least 20 trade deals will be signed during his stay.
