Lula and Macron strengthen bilateral relations: Humanism at the Service of Progress

We discussed a broad bilateral agenda. The more than 20 agreements signed today reflect the depth and diversity of our relationship”

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic

Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed, following a bilateral meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris, the commitment of Brazil and France to work together to strengthen relations in areas such as biodiversity protection, foreign trade, culture, and the defense of democracy and peace. The press statement was one of President Lula’s official engagements during his State visit to France, which began on Thursday, June 5.

» Read the full statement to the press delivered by President Lula
» Visit marks a new stage in the strategic partnership and preparation for COP30

Lula’s visit is the first by a Brazilian head of State to France in 13 years and is part of a broader process of renewed relations between the two countries that began in 2023, highlighted by Macron’s visit to Brazil last year. This marks President Lula’s third state visit to France. The previous ones took place in 2005, during Jacques Chirac’s presidency, and in 2009, under Nicolas Sarkozy’s administration.

“Some aspects of the bilateral relationship weakened during this period, such as political dialogue and trade. The first step to change this reality was President Macron’s historic visit to Brazil last year. My presence here in Paris consolidates this rapprochement,” Lula stated. “We discussed a broad bilateral agenda. The more than 20 agreements signed today reflect the diversity and depth of our relationship,” the Brazilian President added. “We share a common worldview: humanism in the service of progress. We reaffirmed our partnership to address the major global challenges,” Macron emphasized.

ENVIRONMENT – Both Lula and Macron emphasized the importance of Brazil and France working together in defense of biodiversity protection. The Brazilian leader noted that the meeting coincides with a symbolic date related to this issue and highlighted the strategic importance of COP30, to be held in Brazil later this year. "There could be no more symbolic day. Today, June 5, we celebrate World Environment Day. Defending the multilateral climate regime is a shared priority. COP30 marks the ten-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement and brings France and Brazil closer in the fight against global warming," he said.

The climate crisis remains urgent, and the loss of biodiversity continues to be a major concern. I will be present alongside President Lula in Belém during COP30. It is an important gathering that will remobilize the international community around these goals”

Emmanuel Macron, President of France

COP30 - Macron emphasized that he intends to be an active voice during the event scheduled to take place in Belém (PA) in November. “The climate crisis remains urgent, and the loss of biodiversity continues to be a major concern. I know some have chosen not to speak about this, but we are convinced that not only must efforts continue; they must be strengthened. I will be present alongside President Lula in Belém during COP30. It is an important gathering because it will remobilize the international community around these goals,” said the French President.

OCEAN SUMMIT – Lula will participate next Monday (June 9) in Nice at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, a meeting dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. In Paris, the Brazilian leader emphasized that caring for the oceans is as fundamental as protecting the forests.

BIOMES - "We have signed two agreements that will strengthen cooperation on low-carbon hydrogen and the decarbonization of the maritime sector. My participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference will highlight the importance of the oceans as climate regulators and sources of biodiversity. Marine biomes demand the same level of attention and commitment as tropical forests," anticipated Lula.

BORDER – In addition to extensive commercial, political, and cultural ties, France shares its longest land border with Brazil, between Amapá and French Guiana. Cross-border cooperation was a key topic on the bilateral agenda, and the two Presidents addressed the agreement that allows for the elimination of visa requirements along this border.

BENEFITS – “As neighbors sharing an extensive Amazonian border, we are betting on the benefits of integration. The Franco-Brazilian Center for Amazonian Biodiversity, which we reactivated in 2024, will fund joint research projects later this year. The end of the differentiated visa regime has been a long-standing demand to facilitate the regular movement of people between Amapá and French Guiana. This will promote tourism and trade for cross-border communities. Integration also means coordinating efforts to combat trafficking, illegal mining, and deforestation,” Lula emphasized.

COOPERATION – “This border, the longest France shares with any other country, is the one where we decided to strengthen and intensify cooperation efforts to protect the forest and combat illegal mining. That is why, during this State visit, we celebrated an agreement to allow visa exemptions and transfer agreements for detainees. It is a long-awaited agreement for both countries and for the people of French Guiana, Amapá, Pará, and Amazonas,” Macron celebrated.

SECURITY – The fight against organized crime in the border region between Amapá and French Guiana was strengthened with the signing, in 2025, of a bilateral agreement to combat illegal gold mining. The agreement involves police cooperation and programs to trace the origin of the metal. At the Police Cooperation Center in Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock, in French Guiana, forces from both countries work together to combat human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal mining.

TRADE – France is the third-largest source of direct investment in Brazil, with a stock totaling USD 66.34 billion. In 2024, trade between Brazil and France reached USD 9.1 billion, an 8% increase compared to the previous year. It is estimated that more than 1,000 French companies operate in Brazil, and are directly responsible for generating around 500,000 jobs in the Brazilian market.

In 2025, we celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations with our eyes set on the future. This joint path involves deepening the ties and exchanges between our societies"

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

SCALE – In Paris, Lula argued that this exchange must be expanded. “I emphasized to President Macron that the level of bilateral exchange does not reflect the scale of our strategic partnership. It is unacceptable that the figures recorded in 2024 are lower than those observed in 2012. The business event we will hold tomorrow is a step toward correcting this, attracting more investment, and integrating our production chains,” affirmed Lula.

BUSINESS LEADERS – Lula was referring to the Brazil–France Economic Forum, which will bring together government officials and business leaders to discuss topics such as energy transition, innovation, infrastructure, and investment opportunities. “We have a strong relationship that we want to deepen. The Business Forum will allow us to move forward in that direction,” Macron emphasized.

CULTURE – In 2025, Brazil and France will celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations. In addition to the State visit to the European country, the bicentennial will be marked by a series of reciprocal cultural seasons. More than 300 events are planned as part of the Brazil–France Year 2025, which has already begun and will run through September. Events related to the France–Brazil Year 2025 will take place from September to December.

200 YEARS – “In 2025, we celebrate 200 years of bilateral relations with our eyes set on the future. This shared journey involves deepening the ties and exchanges between our societies. That is the purpose of the updated Cultural Cooperation Agreement signed by Minister Margareth Menezes (Ministry of Culture). It is also the spirit behind the hundreds of events taking place in France and Brazil as part of the Cross-Cultural Seasons, which President Macron and I decided to launch last year,” affirmed Lula. “Brazil is at home in France,” Macron summed up. “Thank you for spending so much time with us, thank you for your friendship, and please accept once again our expression of deep affection for you, your wife, and your country — which we love so much,” concluded the French President.

AGENDA – Before the bilateral meeting this morning, Lula was officially welcomed by Macron at the Esplanade des Invalides during a welcome ceremony. At the Élysée Palace, the two exchanged gifts, and Lula received a number 10 Paris Saint-Germain jersey — the team that won the UEFA Champions League last weekend — with his name on the back. Later on Thursday, the President will be honored by the French Academy, meet with the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, speak with members of the Brazilian community in France, and attend a dinner hosted by the French government.