Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasized to US President Donald Trump the necessity of enlarging the United Nations Security Council’s permanent membership during a recent phone call. The leaders also touched upon the proposed Peace Council, suggesting it should focus solely on the Gaza issue. They agreed that President Lula would visit Washington following his trips to India and South Korea in February, with the visit date to be confirmed soon.
The phone conversation, held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and lasting around 50 minutes, delved into various aspects of the bilateral relationship and global matters. Both leaders shared positive economic indicators from their respective countries, signaling promising prospects for their economies and the region as a whole.
President Lula and President Trump commended the progress in their countries’ relations, noting the reduction of tariffs on Brazilian products due to enhanced engagement. President Lula reiterated a proposal to bolster cooperation in combating organized crime during the call, emphasizing the need for joint efforts against money laundering and arms trafficking. Trump welcomed this proposal, particularly highlighting the importance of freezing criminal groups’ assets and enhancing data exchanges on financial transactions.
The discussion also revolved around international security and multilateral concerns, with a focus on Brazil’s potential participation in the Peace Council proposed by the US. President Lula advocated for restricting the Council’s scope to the Gaza issue and suggested including a seat for Palestine. Additionally, he underscored the imperative of a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, emphasizing the necessity of expanding the Security Council’s permanent membership to better align with current global realities.
Touching on the situation in Venezuela, President Lula stressed the significance of upholding peace and stability in the region and prioritizing the well-being of the Venezuelan populace.
