Lula receives Yamandú Orsi, president-elect of Uruguay, and discusses Mercosur

This Friday morning (29), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) received the elected president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, at the Planalto Palace, in a meeting that was not on the official agenda. This was the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since the presidential elections in Uruguay, held last Sunday (24). The victory of Orsi, candidate of the left-wing Frente Amplio coalition, was celebrated by the Brazilian government as a sign of strengthening the progressive current in South America.

During the meeting, Lula expressed happiness with the democratic process in Uruguay and Orsi’s election. The Uruguayan president-elect highlighted the importance of the relationship with Brazil and stated: “For us, it is important to know that Brazil is always willing to collaborate with us”.

Return of the Broad Front to power

Orsi’s election marks the return of the Frente Amplio to command of Uruguay after five years of center-right government under Luis Lacalle Pou. The victory was welcomed as a significant building block for progressive forces amid challenges faced by other left-wing governments in the region.

In addition to celebrating Orsi’s victory, Lula reinforced the positive history of partnerships between Brazil and Uruguay, citing his relationship with former Uruguayan presidents such as Tabaré Vásquez and José “Pepe” Mujica. According to an official note from Palácio do Planalto, Lula and Orsi discussed bilateral issues and the importance of strengthening Mercosur.

Mercosur and regional integration

Another central point of the conversation was the progress of negotiations on the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. Orsi told the press that the topic will be a priority at the next Mercosur Summit, scheduled for December 5th and 6th, in Montevideo. “We are optimistic about the possibility of strengthening ties with other regions, mainly with Europe”, he stated.

Orsi’s statement also reflects the need for greater cohesion among South American countries. “The relationship between countries in the region needs to be stronger than ever in the face of a world in turmoil, under intense changes and with a high degree of unpredictability”, he highlighted.

Rapprochement between Brazil and Uruguay

Despite recent differences between Lacalle Pou and Lula, especially in relation to regional integration, Orsi conveyed a message of thanks from the end-of-term Uruguayan president, praising the partnership between the two countries, regardless of management.

Lula and Orsi are expected to meet again at the Mercosur Summit, where the Brazilian president also plans to meet with Pepe Mujica. After the event, Lula will make an official visit to Uruguay, reinforcing his commitment to regional integration and bilateral cooperation.

The meeting at Planalto highlights the political alignment between Brazil and Uruguay, with both leaders committed to strengthening ties at the regional and international level.