Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Brazilian President Lula da Silva

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva today in Brasilia, Brazil. Secretary Blinken expressed U.S. commitment to partner with Brazil on its G20 presidency agenda to combat hunger and poverty, mobilize against the climate crisis, and make global governance more effective.  Secretary Blinken highlighted the upcoming U.S.-Brazil bicentennial anniversary in May 2024 when our two countries will celebrate the benefits of 200 years of strong political, economic, and cultural ties.

Secretary Blinken commended President Lula for Brazil’s role in de-escalating tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region.  Secretary Blinken underscored our position that Nicolas Maduro must return to implementation of the Barbados electoral roadmap agreement to ensure competitive presidential elections in 2024. He also recognized Brazil’s long-standing support for the people of Haiti and reiterated the urgent need for international assistance to improve the security situation in Haiti.

The Secretary discussed U.S. engagement on the conflict in Gaza, including working urgently with partners to facilitate the release of all hostages and to increase humanitarian assistance and improve protections for Palestinian civilians.  Secretary Blinken thanked President Lula for Brazil’s participation in Ukraine’s Peace Formula process.

Secretary Blinken commended President Lula for defending workers’ rights through the U.S.-Brazil Partnership for Workers Rights.  He thanked President Lula for Brazil’s global leadership on climate, including Brazil’s pledge to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030.  He noted the importance of strengthening cooperation on critical minerals with Brazil, including through the Minerals Security Partnership. The Secretary welcomed President Lula’s interest in deepening cooperation on clean energy and diversification of global supply chains as well as continued engagement on the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality.