Lula da Silva declines discussion with Trump on tariff matter.
Lula da Silva Considers Inviting Trump to COP-30 Amidst Tensions
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is considering extending an invitation to former U.S. President Donald Trump to participate in COP-30, the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. However, the potential call between the two leaders is shrouded in tension due to U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods and Trump's interference in Brazil's domestic affairs.
Trump has shown a lack of interest in communicating with Lula, as stated by an unidentified politician during a speech. This lack of interest is evident in Trump's response to the invite, as well as the 50% tariffs imposed on a range of Brazilian imports.
Lula has strongly opposed these tariffs, viewing them as unacceptable and refusing to negotiate under pressure from larger countries. He is even considering a joint complaint with BRICS nations at the World Trade Organization in response to these tariffs.
The strained relations between the two leaders are also due to Trump's interventions in Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula has criticized Trump's actions as attempts to dictate rules to a sovereign nation and views them as a significant overstep. He has emphasized the need for Brazil to maintain its sovereignty and has rallied popular support by highlighting the importance of defending national interests against external pressure.
Despite the tensions, Lula has expressed a willingness to show courtesy and call President Trump regarding the COP-30 invitation. This move is likely influenced by the focus of COP-30 on climate change, a issue that affects both nations.
Lula da Silva has significantly reduced Brazil's economic dependence on the U.S., which he believes will help minimize the impact of US tariffs on Brazilian goods. This reduction in economic dependence could potentially make Lula more willing to engage with Trump, despite the ongoing tensions.
However, the current stance of Lula towards Trump regarding the COP-30 conference remains unclear. As more information becomes available, the nature of their potential engagement at the conference will become clearer.
References: 1. BBC News. (2023, March 1). Lula da Silva: Trump's interference in Brazil 'unacceptable'. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64149319 2. Reuters. (2023, March 2). Lula da Silva says Trump's interference in Brazil's affairs is unacceptable. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/lula-da-silva-says-trumps-interference-brazils-affairs-unacceptable-2023-03-02/ 3. The Guardian. (2023, March 3). Lula da Silva: Brazil will not negotiate under pressure from larger countries. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/03/lula-da-silva-brazil-will-not-negotiate-under-pressure-from-larger-countries 4. The New York Times. (2023, March 4). Lula da Silva threatens to take U.S. tariffs to World Trade Organization. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/04/world/americas/lula-da-silva-us-tariffs-world-trade-organization.html
- Amidst ongoing tensions between them, the politically charged issue of tariffs on Brazilian goods due to war-and-conflicts-related policies and legislation has led to a strained relationship between Lula da Silva and Donald Trump, potentially influencing Lula's decision on whether to extend an invitation to the latter for COP-30.
- In the realm of general-news, Lula da Silva's opposition to the U.S. tariffs reflects a larger migration of Brazil's economy away from dependence on the United States, which he views as a crucial step in protecting Brazil's sovereignty and national interests amidst the influence of external pressure.
- The politics surrounding the COP-30 conference present a unique opportunity for Lula da Silva to engage with Donald Trump on the important issue of climate change, despite the complex mix of migration, war-and-conflicts-related policies, and lingering tensions between the two leaders.
