In a significant diplomatic move, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet at the White House this Thursday. The encounter, described as a 'working visit,' marks their second in-person meeting and is seen as a crucial step toward normalizing relations after recent trade tensions.
The leaders will begin their day with a reception in the Oval Office, followed by a joint press conference lasting approximately 30 minutes. They will then continue discussions over a working lunch, where the core of their agenda will be addressed. The meeting comes after a phone conversation last Friday, which the Brazilian government characterized as 'amiable.'
At the top of the agenda is the fight against organized crime. The United States is considering designating major Brazilian criminal factions, such as the PCC and Comando Vermelho, as terrorist organizations. President Lula aims to persuade his counterpart against this classification, emphasizing Brazil's commitment to combating crime through bilateral cooperation rather than unilateral designations that could lead to more severe interventions.
Another contentious point is Brazil's instant payment system, PIX. The US has included it in an investigation into alleged trade barriers, arguing it disadvantages American electronic payment services. Brazil has defended PIX as a non-discriminatory tool used even by US tech giants. The Brazilian delegation will use the meeting to clarify the system's operation and seek a mutual understanding, framing the defense of PIX as a matter of national sovereignty.
Geopolitical differences are also on the table. The two nations have taken divergent stances on global conflicts, with Brazil condemning recent US military actions and advocating for multilateral solutions through the United Nations. Topics like the situation in Cuba and President Lula's hesitation to join Trump's 'Council of Peace' may surface during their talks.
The discussion will also cover rare earth minerals, where Brazil holds some of the world's largest reserves. The Brazilian government insists on maintaining national control over these strategic resources, seeking partnerships that ensure technology transfer. This stance comes as the US aims to influence global trade rules for these minerals, currently dominated by China.
Finally, domestic politics will play a role. President Lula is expected to seek assurances from the Trump administration against any interference in Brazil's upcoming October elections. The meeting is viewed by the Brazilian side as an opportunity to secure a political asset ahead of the electoral season.
Based on reporting from g1.