Brazils Lula and US President Trump to Meet on Board of Peace

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke with US President Donald Trump over the phone on Monday, according to a statement released by the Brazilian government. The 50-minute call covered several topics, including the situation in Venezuela, Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza, and efforts against organized crime.

During the conversation, Lula expressed his concerns about the recent abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was taken into custody earlier this month on drug-trafficking charges. The Brazilian president described this action as crossing an “unacceptable line.” However, no further details were provided on whether Lula accepted Trump’s invitation to join the initiative.

Lula also discussed his proposal for a revised United Nations charter, which includes expanding the permanent members of the Security Council. Additionally, he requested that Trump limit the scope of his proposed “Board of Peace” to Gaza and include a seat for Palestine.

The Brazilian president has been in contact with Trump on several occasions since their first official meeting in October, which marked an improvement in relations between the two countries. As a result, Trump’s administration has lifted sanctions on a top Brazilian judge and exempted key exports from 40 percent tariffs imposed on Brazil.

A visit to Washington is planned for Lula, although no date has been set yet. The president will also make trips to India and South Korea in February before the scheduled visit.

Source: Al Jazeera