Lula intensifies dialogue with Macron before trip to Panama

In a diplomatic offensive to strengthen Brazil’s role as a global mediator of multilateralism, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has maintained, since the beginning of the week, an intense agenda of international contacts. The highlight was the approximately one-hour conversation with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, which took place at a time of strong North American pressure for changes in the world order.

Lula’s move comes after the 50-minute dialogue he also held with Donald Trump last Monday (26). On the occasion, the Brazilian leader suggested adjustments to the “Peace Council” proposal for Gaza, defending the reduction of the number of members and the mandatory inclusion of a seat for Palestine, with the aim of ensuring that the forum does not empty the UN’s authority.

The Axis with Macron and UN Defense

In the phone call with Macron, the tone was one of alignment in defense of multilateralism. Both leaders expressed reservations about initiatives that ignore UN Security Council mandates. Regarding the Peace Council, Lula and Macron converge on the idea that any peace solution must respect the United Nations Charter. France, which has been skeptical about Trump’s project, found a partner in Brazil to avoid the fragmentation of international bodies.

In relation to the Mercosur-EU Agreement, Lula reinforced the strategic importance of the commercial bloc, even in the face of the current legal paralysis at the Court of Justice of the European Union. For Brazilians, the treaty is an antidote against isolationism. The presidents also discussed the situation in Venezuela, condemning the use of force and defending stability in South America as a global priority.

The transition in Chile

Lula also reportedly called the president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, who is preparing to leave office in March. Brazil follows the political transition in the neighboring country and the maintenance of South American integration projects, essential for the bloc to maintain an active voice in the face of pressure from the great powers. So far, Planalto has not detailed whether the dialogue has been concluded.

International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean

After finishing the morning of telephone calls, President Lula heads to Panama City. This is his first international trip of 2026, where he will participate in the International Economic Forum Latin America and the Caribbean.