Speech by President Lula during official visit of Croatia’s President, Zoran Milanović, to Brazil

It is my great satisfaction to welcome President Zoran Milanović on his official visit to Brazil.

This visit reflects the friendship between our nations, now strengthened by the recent tenure of minister Mauro Vieira as ambassador in Zagreb.

At our meeting today President Milanović offered condolences for the tragic floods that have hit Rio Grande do Sul.

I would like to take this opportunity – where I have the European ambassadors to Brasília present here [in the audience] – to reiterate my thanks for all the support and solidarity we have received in recent weeks.

These disasters show that we are already experiencing the effects of climate change, which some continue to deny.

This topic will be reflected in the major events that we will host this year and in the next: G20 and COP 30.

The Paris Agreement's goal of keeping global warming between one and a half and two degrees is already insufficient.

We want to reinforce this message on World Environment Day – which we will be celebrating soon.

We will need renewed ambition to unveil the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP 30 in Belém.

Brazil will set an example by making important contributions.

Our commitment to eliminating deforestation in the Amazon by 2030 is well on the way of being met.

Croatia is working to move forward in the field of ​​low-carbon hydrogen. We are very interested in sharing experiences concerning the energy transition.

Nevertheless, many countries in the Global South will be unable to pursue ambitious goals without financing and technology transfers.

Developing countries will need 4 to 6 trillion dollars a year for their adaptation efforts.

We have to address this issue at the Baku COP.

Making more resources available, however, will be not be enough if they are inaccessible.

The G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group will improve the governance of environmental multilateral funds so that they may respond in a simple, agile and effective way to the needs of the most vulnerable countries.

Another significant outcome of Brazil's G20 presidency will be the creation of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty. It will be open to all countries and international organizations.

The support of Croatia and the European Union will be of great value to the Alliance – offering well-being, food security and dignity to millions of people around the world.

The G20 Social aims to listen to and welcome the vision of civil society: young people, workers, business leaders, indigenous peoples, legislators, scientists, academics and representatives of other vulnerable groups.

We are committed to the economic empowerment of women within the scope of a recently created working group that is entirely focused on this topic.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Political extremism, information manipulation and violence that harms and silences minorities all threaten both our regions.

A process of political renewal in the European Union is fast approaching. In a few days, the 720 seats in the European Parliament will be up for grabs.

Democracy's vitality is critical in current times. To defeat totalitarianism, all democrats will have to join forces.

In Brazil, we honor the memory of Vladimir Herzog, a journalist who was born in the Croatian city of Osijek and became one of the symbols of the fight against our military dictatorship.

The European Union and Brazil share a strong commitment to multilateralism, peacekeeping and human rights protection.

Brazil has strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A de-escalation would be a necessary step for the parties to resume direct dialogue.

We support the convening of an international conference with the participation of both Ukraine and Russia.

In the case of Gaza, Brazil will continue to work towards a permanent ceasefire that allows humanitarian aid to enter Gaza— and for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.

It was with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Brazilian citizen Michel Niesembaum.

The daily violation of humanitarian law is shocking and has made thousands of innocent civilian victims, especially women and children.

The international community must work towards a two-state solution, where both live side by side in security.

The recent recognition of the Palestinian State by Spain, Norway and Ireland is an important step in this direction.

Dear President Milanović,

One of Brazil's most valuable assets is its diverse population, which has its roots in Europe.

Approximately 80,000 Brazilians are Croatian descendants, primarily in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Paraná.

Our human ties bring us closer to Europe.

The only transatlantic rivalry that remains between us is over who holds global supremacy in soccer.

Croatia recently joined the list of the few countries that defeated Brazil in a World Cup.

You attended the opening ceremony of the 2014 World Cup in São Paulo, Mr. President.

As host to the Women's World Cup in 2027, Brazil will once again have the opportunity to highlight sport as an instrument for promoting understanding, goodwill and human dignity, with no discrimination of race, color or creed.

With this fraternal spirit, I greet President Zoran, his wife and the Croatian people.

Thank you very much