President Lula discusses elections in Venezuela with Nicolás Maduro

Lula and Maduro discussed the elections scheduled for next year in Venezuela. The Brazilian president requested information concerning negotiations between the government and the opposition, as well as about other ongoing negotiations between Caracas and Washington to lift sanctions against Venezuela. These sanctions deeply affect Venezuela's economy and its people.

The two leaders also discussed measures to leverage trade on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. President Maduro said that over the next few days he will have a solution for Brazilian cargo that has been detained at the border.

The presidents agreed to speed up negotiations of an Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Agreement – an innovative alternative to traditional bilateral investment agreements.

Lula and Maduro also discussed the resumption of electricity exported to Brazil by Venezuela by means of a connection that has historically offered clean energy to the Brazilian state of Roraima, and contributed to its energy security and stability.

Moreover, the presidents discussed proposals for resuming payment of Venezuela's bilateral debt to Brazil.