Brasilia, Brazil.- On his first full day as President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Latin American Heads of State, reflecting the region’s desire for the country to contribute more on the international stage.
Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, rarely traveled abroad or received visits from Heads of State, and found himself increasingly isolated.
However, regional leaders traveled to Brazil to welcome the return of Lula in his third term as President.
The first half of Monday, Lula met with Alberto Fernández from Argentina, Luis Arce from Bolivia and Guillermo Lasso from Ecuador.
Later, he held meetings with Gabriel Boric from Chile and Gustavo Petro from Colombia. Other Heads of State also traveled yesterday to the capital, Brasilia, and congratulated Lula on his inauguration.
“It was a very powerful symbol of the desire in the region that the leaders want Brazil back,” according to Oliver Stuenkel, a professor of international relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university.
“Latin American leaders want an active and committed Brazil.”
Xi wishes you success
The new President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, said he received a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping expressing his desire for greater cooperation between the two countries.
“I received a letter from Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan from President Xi Jinping expressing his congratulations and willingness to expand our cooperation,” he tweeted.
“China is our biggest trading partner and we can further expand relations between our countries.”
