Macron and Lula Unite on Global Issues, Tackle Differences on Ukraine at Brasilia Summit
French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met in Brasilia and expressed unity on global issues while avoiding discussing their differences on the war in Ukraine.
Macron praised Lula's government for restoring democracy after a right-wing mob took control of the seats of power in 2023.
Lula described the relationship between France and Brazil as a bridge between the global South and developed world.
Despite resetting frosty ties from the Bolsonaro years, they have significant differences on the Ukraine conflict.
France's President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Brazil, as the current G20 chair, could invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro, despite Western support for Ukraine against Russia.
Macron stated that such a decision would require consensus among the G20 members and would depend on its potential usefulness.
Brazil's former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously expressed that Ukraine and Russia share responsibility for the conflict and refused to isolate Moscow.
Putin missed last year's G20 summit in New Delhi to avoid potential political backlash and an ICC warrant.
In September 2023, Brazil's former President Lula initially stated that there was no way Russian President Putin would be arrested if he attended the Rio de Janeiro summit.
However, he later backtracked and said it would be up to the justice system to decide on Putin's arrest.
Lula made no comments on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, instead focusing on the exclusion of opposition candidate Corina Yoris from Venezuela's July 28 elections.
Both Lula and French President Macron condemned this exclusion during their summit.
During a three-day visit to Venezuela, Brazil's former President Lula met with current President Maduro and expressed concern over Maduro's decision to ban an opposition candidate from running in upcoming elections.
Lula described the situation as serious and called for democratic elections.
The leaders showcased the Franco-Brazilian partnership, discussing cooperation on the Amazon, submarines, and economic ties.
They also downplayed tensions regarding the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, with Macron criticizing the current deal and calling for a new one that prioritizes development, climate, and biodiversity.
Lula, the President of Brazil, stated that he was calm and Brazil does not negotiate with France but with the European Union.
The leaders had a friendly meeting in the Amazon, which was widely shared on social media with memes comparing the images to a wedding album, reflecting Brazilians' positive reaction to their close relationship.
Lula described the relationship between France and Brazil as a bridge between the global South and developed world.
Despite resetting frosty ties from the Bolsonaro years, they have significant differences on the Ukraine conflict.
France's President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Brazil, as the current G20 chair, could invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro, despite Western support for Ukraine against Russia.
Macron stated that such a decision would require consensus among the G20 members and would depend on its potential usefulness.
Brazil's former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously expressed that Ukraine and Russia share responsibility for the conflict and refused to isolate Moscow.
Putin missed last year's G20 summit in New Delhi to avoid potential political backlash and an ICC warrant.
In September 2023, Brazil's former President Lula initially stated that there was no way Russian President Putin would be arrested if he attended the Rio de Janeiro summit.
However, he later backtracked and said it would be up to the justice system to decide on Putin's arrest.
Lula made no comments on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, instead focusing on the exclusion of opposition candidate Corina Yoris from Venezuela's July 28 elections.
Both Lula and French President Macron condemned this exclusion during their summit.
During a three-day visit to Venezuela, Brazil's former President Lula met with current President Maduro and expressed concern over Maduro's decision to ban an opposition candidate from running in upcoming elections.
Lula described the situation as serious and called for democratic elections.
The leaders showcased the Franco-Brazilian partnership, discussing cooperation on the Amazon, submarines, and economic ties.
They also downplayed tensions regarding the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, with Macron criticizing the current deal and calling for a new one that prioritizes development, climate, and biodiversity.
Lula, the President of Brazil, stated that he was calm and Brazil does not negotiate with France but with the European Union.
The leaders had a friendly meeting in the Amazon, which was widely shared on social media with memes comparing the images to a wedding album, reflecting Brazilians' positive reaction to their close relationship.
Translation:
Translated by AI
