In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended an invitation to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira for an in-person meeting in Washington. This move comes as Brazil seeks to reduce the 40% tariff imposed by the U.S. on its imports, a topic that dominated recent discussions between the two nations. The invitation followed a Monday phone call between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which Lula urged Trump to reconsider the tariff. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry confirmed that both sides agreed to continue discussions on economic and trade issues in Washington soon. This dialogue marks a potential thaw in the strained relations between the U.S. and Brazil, exacerbated by the tariffs and U.S. sanctions on Brazilian officials linked to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election, remains a contentious figure in bilateral relations. Lula and Trump, who first met briefly during the U.N. General Assembly in September, have since maintained a cordial rapport. During their recent call, Lula invited Trump to the upcoming climate summit in Belém, while Trump emphasized their focus on trade and economic cooperation. Despite U.S. criticism of Bolsonaro’s prosecution, Brazilian officials remain optimistic about fostering harmony between the two nations. Lula praised Trump’s approach, stating, ‘We are two 80-year-olds leading the greatest democracies in the West. We must show the world cordiality and harmony, not discord and conflict.’
Rubio invites Brazilian foreign minister for talks as Brazil seeks to ease tariffs
