NewKerala.com

Lula, Sanchez Push for EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Venezuela Crisis Talks

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez held talks focusing on advancing the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement, which Lula praised as a boost for multilateralism. They coordinated on the Venezuela situation, aligning with a regional statement rejecting global divisions and unauthorized force. The leaders also welcomed Venezuela's release of detainees, including Spanish nationals, and Lula confirmed Brazil sent 40 tons of medical supplies following US bombings. Additionally, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez separately discussed bilateral cooperation with Lula, Sanchez, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, briefing them on the recent US attacks.

Key Points: Brazil, Spain Leaders Discuss EU-Mercosur Deal & Venezuela

  • Mercosur-EU trade deal support
  • Venezuela crisis diplomacy
  • Humanitarian aid delivery post-US strikes
  • Forum on combating extremism planned
  • Rejection of spheres of influence
2 min read

Brazilian, Spanish leaders discuss Mercosur-EU deal, Venezuela situation

Brazilian President Lula and Spanish PM Sanchez advance trade talks, address Venezuela situation, and coordinate humanitarian aid following US strikes.

"a very positive signal in defence of multilateralism and predictable, stable trade rules. - Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva"

Brasilia, Jan 10

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez discussed the Mercosur-EU free trade agreement and the situation in Venezuela, Brazil's presidential office said.

During their telephone conversation on Friday (local time), Lula thanked the Spanish government for supporting the agreement and called the deal "a very positive signal in defence of multilateralism and predictable, stable trade rules."

On Venezuela, they highlighted a joint statement issued along with Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay, which rejects any division of the world into spheres of influence and opposes the use of force in international relations without authorisation under the UN Charter, reports Xinhua news agency.

They also welcomed the announcement made on Thursday in Caracas by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on the release of Venezuelan and foreign detainees, including four Spanish nationals.

Lula confirmed that Brazil sent 40 tons of dialysis supplies and medicines on Friday to help replenish stocks at a distribution centre damaged by US bombings on January 3.

The two leaders also agreed on the importance of organising a new edition of the forum "In Defence of Democracy: Combating Extremism" in Spain in the coming months.

Additionally, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Friday held phone talks with the Brazilian President, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

On her Telegram channel, Rodriguez said the leaders agreed on the importance of advancing a cooperation agenda, amid what she described as "the grave criminal, illegal and illegitimate aggression" perpetrated against Venezuela.

Rodriguez said she briefed the three leaders on the US armed attacks against the South American country, which caused the killing of civilians and military personnel.

"We agree on the need to advance with a broad bilateral cooperation agenda, based on respect for international law, State sovereignty and dialogue between peoples," Rodriguez said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The situation in Venezuela is concerning. While the release of detainees is welcome, the mention of US bombings causing civilian deaths is very serious. International law must be respected by all, big or small powers. 🇮🇳 India has always stood for peaceful dialogue.
R
Rohit P
Brazil sending 40 tons of medical aid is commendable. This is real diplomacy - helping a neighbor in need. Reminds me of how India acted as the 'pharmacy of the world' during COVID. Hope the supplies reach the people quickly.
S
Sarah B
The forum "In Defence of Democracy: Combating Extremism" sounds crucial. Extremism is a global threat. While the focus is on Spain, I hope such discussions also address the rise of divisive politics in many democracies, including our own. A respectful critique: sometimes these forums become talking shops without concrete action.
V
Vikram M
Interesting to see Latin American and European powers coordinating. The world is truly multipolar now. India should watch these developments closely and engage with both blocs. Our foreign policy of 'strategic autonomy' is more relevant than ever.
K
Kavya N
The article mentions "rejecting division of the world into spheres of influence." Absolutely correct! No single country should dominate. This is a lesson for our region too. Cooperation, not coercion, is the way. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50