Lula calls for deeper integration between Brazil and Bolivia: “A living border that connects peoples, cultures, and economies”

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz this Monday, March 16, at the Planalto Palace in Brasília. During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening integration between their countries and expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic areas. On the occasion, they oversaw the signing of agreements in the areas of tourism, energy, and the fight against transnational organized crime.

Brazil shares its longest land border with Bolivia, spanning more than 3,400 kilometers. “This is not just a line on the map. It is a living border that connects peoples, cultures, and economies. It is a border that expands through trade, through investment in physical and energy infrastructure, and through the mobility of Bolivians and Brazilians,” Lula stated.

In a statement to the press, President Lula noted that the two countries have been working to expand economic cooperation. “Brazil is currently Bolivia’s second-largest trading partner. But bilateral trade is still far below its potential. In 2013, trade flows reached USD 5.5 billion. Last year, that figure was only USD 2.6 billion,” he said.

Brazil and Bolivia are also partners in major projects such as the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway, the South American Integration Routes, and the bridge over the Mamoré River, which will connect the cities of Guajará-Mirim, in Rondônia, and Guayaramerín, in Bolivia. Lula also highlighted the shared responsibility of Brazil and Bolivia to protect the Amazon rainforest. “The protection of the forest, biodiversity, and the peoples who live there is our shared responsibility.”

DEMOCRACY — On democracy, the Brazilian president emphasized the need for cooperation between the two countries and their commitment to peace. “The future of our region depends on our ability to cooperate. Without ideological constraints, without hatred, without violence, we will build a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Latin America,” Lula said.

TOURISM COOPERATION —  Among the agreements signed was a Memorandum of Understanding in the tourism sector, which provides for the exchange of information, joint promotion of destinations, and professional training. “We want more Bolivian tourists to visit our Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, and more Brazilians to visit the historic Andean Copacabana, on the shores of Lake Titicaca,” Lula said.

ELECTRICITY INTERCONNECTION — An agreement was also signed for electricity interconnection between the two countries, to expand energy integration through the construction of transmission lines and other large-scale infrastructure, particularly connecting the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to the municipality of Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul.

“We will optimize the use of existing resources in both countries and expand electricity access to regions still dependent on diesel. Brazil is also ready to cooperate with Bolivia in the production of biofuels and other renewable sources,” the Brazilian president said.

SECURITY — In addition, an agreement was signed to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, with a focus on actions against human trafficking, drug trafficking, money laundering, arms trafficking, illegal mining, cybercrime, and environmental crimes.

“The agreement we signed today renews our commitment to combating organized crime on both sides of the border. It provides for greater coordination to prevent and combat drug and human trafficking, smuggling, vehicle theft, money laundering, illegal mining, and environmental crimes. At the same time, it is essential to facilitate the movement of people,” highlighted Lula.

ENERGY COOPERATION — The two countries have a long-standing relationship in the energy sector. President Lula stressed that, in an international context marked by conflicts, this partnership is essential. “We discussed the possibility of expanding investments in this area and increasing export volumes to the Brazilian market. The Brazil-Bolivia gas pipeline has played a key role in the growth of Brazilian industry and Bolivia’s hydrocarbon sector. Today, it can support broader integration of gas markets in the Southern Cone,” he said.

TRADE — In 2025, bilateral trade totaled USD 2.6 billion. Brazilian exports to Bolivia reached USD 1.3 billion, while imports from Bolivia also amounted to USD 1.3 billion. Bolivia is Brazil’s main supplier of natural gas and an important provider of fertilizers.

PROXIMITY — The Bolivian president highlighted the historical, geographic, and political proximity between Bolivia and Brazil and called for stronger cooperation between the two countries. According to President Paz, the agreements signed mark the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations. 

“Thank you, Brazil, for these agreements. This is the beginning of a new era. A new way of seeing ourselves differently begins. With due respect to other regions, we are part of the most extraordinary continent on the planet. We are the only ones who span the entire planet from north to south. No one compares to us in that sense of geographic scope. Today we are here bringing together the will of the Bolivian people and of our brothers and comrades in Brazil,” said President Rodrigo Paz.