President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil was hospitalized following a head injury sustained in an accident at his home on Saturday, prompting him to cancel his scheduled attendance at the upcoming BRICS Summit.
The announcement was made by the president’s office.
The 16th BRICS Summit is set to take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia.
“Due to medical advice to avoid long-haul flights, President Lula da Silva, 78, will not be traveling to the BRICS Summit,” his office stated.
However, the president will participate in the summit via video conference from Brasília, where he plans to continue his regular work activities next week.
Mr. Lula da Silva was admitted to a Brasília hospital with a “bruise” on the back of his head.
Following a medical evaluation, his doctors advised against long-haul air travel but confirmed that he could still engage in other activities, according to a statement from his medical team.
Lula da Silva, who will celebrate his 79th birthday on October 27, underwent hip surgery earlier in 2023.