Brazil, France expected to make new climate declaration ahead of COP30
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will travel to France from June 4 to 9 for a state visit—the first by a Brazilian head of government in 13 years. The last visit took place in 2012, during Dilma Rousseff’s term. One of the key highlights of Lula’s agenda is expected to be the announcement of a new joint climate declaration between Brazil and France, during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“There is an expectation that the two leaders will adopt a new climate declaration, reflecting both countries’ commitment to the issue and the need for greater international mobilization ahead of COP30 [United Nations Climate Change Conference], which will be hosted by Brazil. We also hope to reach an agreement on the creation of a decarbonized maritime corridor with France,” said Ambassador Flávio Goldman, director of the European Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference last Friday (May 30) to share details about the trip.
In total, the two presidents are expected to sign 20 bilateral agreements covering areas such as vaccines, public security, education, and science and technology. An announcement on new investments between the two countries is also anticipated. As of 2024, trade between Brazil and France totals $9.1 billion, an 8 percent increase compared to 2023. France is Brazil’s third-largest investor, with more than $66.3 billion in investment stock.
“This visit comes at a very positive moment for bilateral relations, marked by closer cooperation across several areas. During his stay in France, President Lula will hold several meetings with Emmanuel Macron to discuss relevant aspects of the bilateral agenda, as well as international issues of mutual interest, including the need for global governance reform, the defense of multilateralism, the fight against extremism, and preparations for COP30,” Goldman said.
Lula and his delegation will depart next Wednesday (Jun. 4), with their first official engagement in Paris scheduled for the following day—a ceremony at the Courtyard of Honor on the Esplanade des Invalides, in the northern section of the Hôtel des Invalides. The site hosts French military ceremonies and is frequently used for parades and official events.
The Brazilian president will then meet with Macron at the Élysée Palace, the seat of the French government, for a meeting between the two countries’ delegations. The meeting will be followed by a signing ceremony and statements to the press.
Tribute
On June 6, Lula will receive an honorary doctorate from Paris 8 University. That same day, he will visit the exhibition celebrating the Year of Brazil in France at the Grand Palais, the country’s main convention center. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Brazilian season in France will feature a diverse program of activities running through September across more than 50 French cities. These initiatives will span the arts, as well as academic, scientific, technological, educational, and environmental cooperation, all aimed at deepening the ties between the two countries.
In the cultural sphere, President Lula will also be honored by the French Academy. Founded in 1635, the Academy has, in its nearly 400-year history, officially honored only 19 other heads of state. Prior to Lula, the only Brazilian to receive this distinction was Dom Pedro II, in 1872.
Lula is also expected to participate in a session of the Brazil-France Economic Forum, which will bring together government officials and business leaders from both countries.
Health certification
Later that day, Lula will attend an event formalizing Brazil’s recognition as a country free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination. This status was approved on May 29, in Paris, at the general assembly of representatives of the World Organization for Animal Health.
The Brazilian president is also expected to meet with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo before traveling to Toulon for a follow-up meeting with President Macron at the French Navy Base. They will discuss the Submarine Development Program (ProSub), marking a reciprocal visit following the same agenda carried out by the French president in March of last year during his state visit to Brazil.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the launch ceremony of the Tonelero submarine, held during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Brazil in March 2024. Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
Oceans COP
On June 8, Lula will participate in an event in Monaco dedicated to the blue economy, focusing on the sustainable economic use of oceans and mobilizing financing for their conservation. The following day, he will travel to Nice to attend the Third United Nations Conference on the Oceans, expected to gather at least 60 heads of state.
In Lyon, Lula is also scheduled to visit Interpol’s headquarters, the international police organization currently led by Brazilian Federal Police chief inspector Valdecy Urquiza.
