Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump held a 50-minute telephone conversation on Monday, the Brazilian government said in a statement, and Lula agreed to travel to Washington in the near future.
The government communiqué said the leaders covered several topics during the call, notably the crisis in Venezuela, Mr. Trump’s newly proposed Board of Peace and cooperation to fight organized crime.
On the subject of Venezuela, the statement quoted President Lula stressing the importance of "preserving peace and stability in the region." The Brazilian president has been openly critical of the recent U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The statement noted that Maduro was deposed earlier this month and taken to New York to face drug-trafficking charges. Lula previously condemned that operation as crossing "an unacceptable line." During Monday’s call he reiterated the need to work for the welfare of the Venezuelan people.
Regarding Mr. Trump’s Board of Peace proposal, Lula suggested the initiative be confined to the Gaza situation, the statement said. That proposal, launched last Thursday, has prompted concern among global powers that it might expand its remit and serve as a rival to the United Nations. Brazil’s president also called for Palestinian representation on the proposed board.
Last week, Lula said Mr. Trump was attempting to create a "new U.N." and "be its sole owner." Mr. Trump, for his part, has stated that the Board of Peace would operate alongside the U.N. The Brazilian government’s release did not indicate whether Lula accepted Mr. Trump’s invitation to participate in the initiative.
The statement summarized topics and positions discussed during the call but did not provide further detail on the timing of the planned Washington visit or on any formal commitment to join the Board of Peace.
Context and immediate follow-ups
Officials on both sides acknowledged the exchange of views but the written note from Brazil left several questions open, including whether Brazil will formally align with the proposed Board of Peace and the exact schedule for Lula’s visit to Washington. The call also reiterated both presidents’ interest in enhanced cooperation against organized crime, though the statement did not set out concrete next steps.