Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will discuss the course of the Venezuelan electoral process with his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro during an official visit to Bogotá.
The director of the South American department of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, João Queiroz, explained in a press conference that although the visit is in response to an invitation to inaugurate the Bogota book fair, dedicated this year to Brazil, Lula plans to discuss various issues on the regional agenda with Petro.
“The regional situation is a subject that must be addressed” and the electoral process in Venezuela is “of interest to both countries“, the diplomat said. He also stressed that Brazil and Colombia participated in the discussions that last year led to the Barbados Agreements between the regime and the opposition, which some opponents of Nicolás Maduro have considered violated by the obstacles imposed on the registration of some presidential candidates in view of the elections on July 28.
Brazil and Colombia, like other countries in the region, expressed their “concern” regarding these difficulties, but according to the diplomat they have always done so “in a constructive spirit,” despite the angry response they have received from Venezuela. He added that Lula and Petro have “a diagnostic convergence“in relation to “isolating” Venezuela”It is of no use and has never been of any use“and remain determined to promote dialogue between the regime and the opposition to ensure free and transparent elections.
Last week, Gustavo Petro met with Maduro and members of the opposition and announced that he had presented a proposal to help Venezuela achieve “political peace,” but did not offer further details. According to Queiroz, Brazilian diplomacy is unaware of this proposal, but Lula remains committed to promoting a broad dialogue between all sectors of Venezuelan society that will allow differences to be overcome.
Beyond the regional situation, Lula and Petro will evaluate the bilateral relationship from the political, economic and commercial aspects, cooperation in the Amazon region and the bilateral cultural agenda, as well as participate in a forum that will bring together businessmen from both countries. Likewise, delegations from both governments will analyze the status of ambitious physical integration plans proposed by Brazil to the countries of South America, which already have the endorsement of regional financial organizations.
In addition to around thirty businessmen, the delegation that will travel with Lula to Bogotá will include other members of the government and around fifty writers, who will attend the opening of the XXXVI Bogotá International Book Fair on Wednesday, one of the most important cultural events in Colombia.
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2024-07-20 22:31:53
