President Lula spoke by phone on Monday morning (Jan. 26) with the president of the United States, Donald Trump. During the conversation, Lula suggested that Trump include a seat for Palestine on the Peace Council, a body conceived, created, and chaired by the American president. He also suggested that the council limit itself to discussing issues related to the Gaza Strip.

The content of the conversation between the presidents was released by the Planalto presidential palace in a statement. The Brazilian president also emphasized the importance of a comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN), including the expansion of permanent members on the Security Council.

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Lula was one of the leaders invited to occupy a seat on the council but has not yet responded to the invitation. Last week, at an event in Salvador, Bahia state, he criticized the proposal to create the Peace Council. According to the Brazilian president, Trump wants to establish a new UN body to exert control.

Venezuela

In the conversation, the two presidents also discussed issues related to Venezuela. Lula reiterated what he has already been saying on the subject: the importance of maintaining peace on the continent.

In addition, the Brazilian president once again proposed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in combating organized crime.

“Lula expressed interest in strengthening the partnership in combating money laundering and arms trafficking, as well as in freezing the assets of criminal groups and exchanging data on financial transactions. The proposal was well received by the US president,” stated the Planalto palace.

Economy

According to the Planalto statement, Lula and Trump also discussed how strengthening ties between Brazil and the US benefits the economy.

“President Trump stated that the economic growth of the United States and Brazil is positive for the region as a whole. Both leaders welcomed the strong relationship built in recent months, which led to the lifting of a significant portion of the tariffs on Brazilian products.”

The two met in person for the first time at the UN General Assembly in New York in September. It was a brief meeting, but the American president said he had “excellent chemistry” with Lula.

Visit to the US

During the 50-minute conversation, a visit by Lula to the United States was agreed upon. No date has been set, but the visit is expected to take place after the Brazilian president’s trip to India and South Korea in February.