Brazil's Ambassador to Buenos Aires Julio Bitelli Tuesday downplayed the importance of the not-so-good relationship between Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Javier Milei and insisted he would be returning to his post in the Argentine capital next week after being summoned during the weekend for consultations with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
Argentine President Javier Milei's attitude of speaking his truth at any cost is about to take its toll on the diplomatic front, as confrontations with Brazil and Bolivia flare up with a possible reshaping of the current scenario in the near future.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella landed in Brasilia Sunday for a five-day visit to South America's largest country, Agencia Brasil reported. The first visit of an Italian head of state to Brazil in 24 years marks the 150th anniversary of immigration from the European nation. Topping the agenda of talks will be the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), as well as other topics such as climate change and energy transition.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told his Bolivian counterpart Luis Arce Catacora during their encounter in Santa Cruz de la Sierra that there is no individual way out in South America, Agencia Brasil reported. Both leaders agreed that the bilateral meeting spelled the beginning of a new era in bilateral ties now that Bolivia is a full member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur). It was Lula's first trip to Bolivia during his third term in office while Arce has been to Brazil four times in the past 12 months.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva landed in Santa Cruz de la Sierra on Monday evening straight from the 64th Mercosur Summit in Asunción with an entourage of some 100 businessmen from his country to explore opportunities in the new full regional bloc member.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Sillva seized his speech Monday during the 64th Southern Common Market's Summit in Asunción to underline his Argentine colleague Javier Milei's absence without mentioning him explicitly.
Minutes before passing Mercosur's rotating presidency to Uruguay's Luis Lacalle Pou, Paraguayan head of state Santiago Peña pointed out Monday that during his 6-month tenure achievements had been made, albeit amid painful setbacks that have existed since the alliance was created. In addition, the Colorado ruler once again underlined the importance of fighting corruption and drug trafficking.
Argentine President Javier Milei will not be traveling to Asunción for the upcoming Mercosur Summit in the Paraguayan capital on July 8 in a move to avoid meeting face-to-face with his Brazilian colleague Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whom he dubbed a corrupt Communist during his campaign last year and who insists an apology is in order. Last week the Argentine leader claimed there was nothing to be sorry for and that he would not go back on telling the truth. Foreign Minister Diana Mondino will represent Milei at the regional bloc's gathering.
Next month, from Thursday, July 4th to 8th, the Mercosur pro tempore presidency will be handed by Paraguay to Uruguay, at the capital Asunción during the regional presidential summit. On the occasion, Paraguayan president Santiago Peña will be giving the Mercosur presidency to Uruguay's Luis Lacalle Pou. Still, it will be interesting to see how leaders of the two major members, Argentina's ultra-liberal Javier Milei and Brazil's populist Lula da Silva, who are not on talking terms, will approach circumstances if they effectively attend the summit.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was strongly critical of his country's Central Bank's (BCB) decision not to lower the benchmark Selic interest rate this week and leave it at 10.5% per annum instead.