Lula holds phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

On Thursday afternoon, September 11, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke on the phone with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the extensive cooperation between their countries on topics such as trade, climate change, energy transition, and defending democracy for about half an hour.

President Lula confirmed that Brazil will be the featured guest country at the 2026 Hanover Industrial Fair. He emphasized Brazil's longstanding presence at the event, noting that five pavilions and approximately 160 Brazilian companies will be represented.

The two leaders also agreed to hold the third High-Level Intergovernmental Consultations Meeting next year on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defending democracy and multilateralism. They welcomed the progress of the MERCOSUR–European Union Agreement, which has been sent to the European Council for consideration. They reiterated their support for signing the agreement later in 2025, demonstrating the two regional blocs' commitment to development, free trade, and a multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization.

Recalling the traditional cooperation on environmental matters and confronting climate change, President Lula emphasized the importance of COP30 in Belém for gathering ambitious climate commitments that address the current climate crisis. Chancellor Merz stated that Germany will be represented at a high level at the Belém COP.