São Paulo, Brazil — Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Tuesday. The call lasted for about 40 minutes, according to a statement from Brazil’s government.
Lula said to Trump that the decision to remove the additional 40% tariff on Brazilian exports like meat, coffee and fruits was positive, but also mentioned that there are a few other products under U.S. tariffs that should be discussed. Brazil said it wants to move quickly with the remaining negotiations.
After months of negotiating, the White House withdrew the 40% tariffs on November 20, leaving still a 10% tax.
In addition to import taxes, both presidents discussed joint actions against international organized crime, including Trump’s emphasis to work with Brazil on joint operations, according to the statement.
“President Lula also stressed the urgency of strengthening cooperation with the U.S. to combat international organized crime,” the statement read. “President Trump emphasized his full willingness to work with Brazil and that he will provide full support for joint initiatives between the two countries to combat these criminal organizations.”
It is not clear whether Lula spoke with Trump about the deepening U.S.-Venezuela crisis, although on November 23, he said he would schedule a call with Trump to discuss the matter, adding “It’s important that we try to find a solution before we start.”
Since September, the U.S. has been building a strong military presence in the Caribbean, and so far, airstrikes targeting alleged drug boats have killed over 80 people.
Read more: Trump says military strikes on Venezuela to start “soon”
Trump confirmed his call with Lula during a press conference at the White House Tuesday evening. He told reporters they had a “very good talk.”
“I did. We had a great a talk, we talked about trade, sanctions because you know I sanctioned them having to do with certain things that took place,” said Trump, referring to the sentencing of former president and Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving 27 years for attempting a coup after losing elections to Lula.
In retaliation for the sentence, the U.S. sentenced a number of Brazilian officials, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
“But you know we had very good talks, I like him, we had very good meetings, you know,” Trump concluded.
Featured image credit:
Image: President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during a meeting with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, during the 47th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Source: Ricardo Stuckert / PR
