In a significant development, the political leaders of Germany and Brazil are set to meet once more after a long hiatus of over eight years. This historic meeting will take place in Berlin on Monday, with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil coming together for intergovernmental consultations.
The day will begin with Steinmeier extending a warm welcome to Lula at Schloss Bellevue, his official residence, with military honors. Later, Lula will be welcomed to the Bundesrat by its President Manuela Schwesig from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, before moving on to the actual government consultations in the Chancellery, hosted by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and Lula himself.
According to a deputy government spokesperson, the discussions will be steered under the banner of "Germany and Brazil - strong partners for progress and sustainability," covering various aspects such as bilateral economic and financial policy issues, green transformation, energy, climate, environmental development, food, and foreign and defense policy.
The meeting assumes particular significance for Germany as Brazil now holds the chairmanship of the G20 round of leading economic powers, which began on December 1. Moreover, the differing viewpoints on the Gaza war are likely to be a significant talking point during Scholz’s encounter with Lula.
While Germany advocates for humanitarian ceasefires between Israel and Islamist Hamas, Brazil recently called for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire within the framework of the Brics group of major emerging economies, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The last meeting between the cabinet leaders of both countries took place in Brasília in 2015 with the intent to foster deeper relationships. However, these consultations were halted under Brazil's right-wing populist President Jair Bolsonaro. With the return of Lula to the Brazilian presidency, the idea was revived.
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce has also planned a German-Brazilian business forum, scheduled for later in the afternoon, with the expected presence of Scholz and Lula.
In addition to covering these aspects, the talks may also delve into the following areas of interest:
- Market access and trade relations, with Brazil continuing to promote its fresh fruit exports and sustainable agricultural practices to boost bilateral trade and increase its presence in global markets.
- Sustainability commitments, focusing on Brazil's leadership in sustainable agriculture and innovation.
- Global governance and BRICS chairmanship, looking at Brazil's hosting of the next BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7, with priorities focused on promoting global governance reform and cooperation among Global South countries.
- Global health cooperation, highlighting the need for increased investment in research and production of medicines and vaccines.
- AI governance, stressing the significance of protecting personal data and ensuring the integrity of AI technologies for ethical, safe, and responsible use.
