Lula to president of Guatemala: “I hope this is the first meeting of a virtuous relationship”

As part of an extensive agenda of dialogues and side events during the opening of the 79^th United Nations General Assembly, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a bilateral meeting this Wednesday, September 25, with the President of the Republic of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo.

During the meeting in New York, the leaders discussed the importance of democratic institutions for both countries.

A sociologist, Arévalo was elected in August 2023 and, in January 2024, became the first progressive president of that Central American country in 40 years.

The leaders also discussed bilateral trade relations and the possible expansion of bilateral trade.

Guatemala is considered one of Central America’s leading economies. According to 2022 data from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade generates around USD 634 million dollars, with a positive balance for Brazil of BRL 496 million.

The two leaders also proposed exchanging state visits. “I hope this is the first meeting of a very virtuous relationship,” summed up the Brazilian president, also mentioning his friendship with former Guatemalan president Álvaro Colom Caballeros, who governed the country between 2008 and 2012.

Lula and Arévalo also discussed the situation in Venezuela. The Brazilian leader mentioned the process undertaken by Brazil and Colombia towards dialogue and possible consensus around the Venezuelan political situation.