Lula receives Russian Foreign Minister and discusses peace in Ukraine

During an official visit to Brazil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was received by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada palace—his official residence, on Monday (Apr. 17). 

According to Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, the meeting between Lula and Lavrov was a courtesy visit, and discussions were focused on peace rather than war. Vieira made this statement during a press briefing with journalists.

He emphasized that the talks between President  Lula and the Russian Foreign Minister did not touch upon issues of war. Instead, they focused on the promotion of peace. Brazil is committed to fostering peace and is open to the idea of leading or joining a coalition of countries that prioritize peace. "This was the essence of our conversation as well," Vieira affirmed.

The Brazilian minister avoided commenting on criticism from Western countries, especially the United States, about Brazil's position regarding the conflict. 

During his trip to China last week, President Lula called for patience in persuading countries that are supplying arms to Ukraine. He stated that the United States should cease "encouraging war" and suggested that the European Union and other nations initiate dialogue about peace. 

Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira also noted that Lavrov presented President Lula with a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin containing an invitation for the Brazilian president to attend an economic forum in St. Petersburg in June. "The invitation is currently being analysed," Vieira said.

Later this year, the Brazilian and Russian governments plan to convene another meeting through the countries' high-level commission, which is chaired by the Brazilian vice president and the Russian prime minister.

"We have identified a great deal of common interests in science and technology, culture, and space research," said Vieira.

Foreign Ministers

Following a meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov expressed gratitude to Brazil for its commitment to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. He also emphasized that the Russian government is eager to find a resolution to the conflict as soon as possible.

"I reiterated our position in favor of an immediate ceasefire, respect for humanitarian law, and a negotiated solution with a view to a lasting peace that addresses the concerns of both sides," the Brazilian minister stated.

Trade

Russia is Brazil's main supplier of fertilizers, an essential input for the country's agribusiness. Last year, the Russian president ensured the uninterrupted supply of fertilizers to Brazil. At the foreign ministers' meeting, measures to guarantee the flow of this input were also discussed.

Bilateral trade between Brazil and Russia has reached nearly $10 billion this year. “This was the volume that had been set as a goal when the high-level commission [between the two countries] was established 12 years ago,” Minister Vieira noted.