President Lula receives Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Alvorada Palace on Thursday, February 22, at his request. The chancellor, who is in Brazil for the G20 meeting, spoke with the president about bilateral issues, G20 debates, and global concerns.

Lavrov congratulated President Lula on organizing the foreign ministers' meeting in Rio de Janeiro and conveyed President Putin's message of support for Brazil's presidency of the group. The Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the BRICS Summit in Russia in October and reaffirmed his support for Brazil's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Lula thanked the expression of support for Brazil and confirmed he will be in Russia for the BRICS Summit. The president reaffirmed the importance of a new global governance to deal with issues such as artificial intelligence and climate change, which cannot be addressed in isolation. He noted the importance of the initiatives that Brazil has taken, together with other countries with tropical forests, to combat deforestation and seek fairer forms of remuneration for the preservation of these biomes. He also noted the need to improve financing mechanisms for developing countries.

In the bilateral sphere, Lula highlighted the trade flow figures, which reached an all-time high in 2023, and the need to diversify it.

Chancellor Lavrov outlined Russia's positions on the conflict in Ukraine. President Lula reiterated his position that Brazil remains ready to collaborate in the efforts for peace.