British PM Rishi Sunak announces contribution to the Amazon Fund “in tribute to president Lula's leadership on this issue"

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met today (5) with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London. During the meeting – the first event on the Brazilian president’s agenda before the coronation of King Charles III tomorrow (6) –, Sunak also announced that the UK will contribute to the Amazon Fund, an initiative aimed at fighting deforestation in the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Shortly after the meeting, the British authorities announced the value of the contribution to the Amazon Fund: R$ 500 million.

Lula stated that this is the time to “normalize relations between Brazil and the United Kingdom” – and that the future may bring even more important partnerships.

“We can do a lot more in our business relationship,” said Lula. “This is the resumption of Brazil’s relations with the world following a period of isolation. We’re interested in discussing ways to enhance our commercial agenda.”

Regarding the climate change topic, Lula highlighted that “Brazil is part of all international forums and is committed to zero deforestation by 2030,” – and that “rich countries need to fulfill their COP commitments and countries with large forests need support” to preserve them.

Rishi Sunak said that the UK’s contribution to the Amazon Fund is a “tribute to president Lula’s leadership” in the field of environmental preservation.

Brazil is the fourth country in the world to receive most resources from the International Climate Finance (ICF), the UK’s main program for funding projects in this field, with resources of UKP 260 million (around BRL 1.4 billion).