Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on Tuesday (Jan. 13). According to a statement from the Planalto presidential palace, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the approval of the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur, which should be signed on January 17 in Paraguay. The new treaty, which took 25 years to negotiate, still needs to undergo ratification by the signatory countries.

In his talk with Lula, the prime minister is said to have congratulated the Brazilian president on his efforts to conclude the deal. The two also discussed the need for the new rules to come into force as soon as possible.

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“Both agreed that the decision of the two blocs is a major gesture in defense of multilateralism and free trade, with great political and strategic significance at this historic moment. They agreed to work together quickly and efficiently to implement the agreement so that the populations can see concrete results from the partnership,” the official note reads.

Lula and Montenegro also exchanged views on the situation in Venezuela and highlighted the need to avoid instability in South America.