Published 09/25/2024 17:58 | Edited 09/25/2024 18:27
On Wednesday afternoon (25), Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira anticipated the topics addressed during a press conference by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in New York. The speech by the Brazilian Foreign Minister represented an assessment of the Brazilian government’s performance in leading the G20, at the time it arrives at the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations, amidst armed conflicts that are spreading across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The meeting with journalists took place after a series of events on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The program included a series of important commitments for Brazil, with emphasis on the G20 summit, which this year brings the novelty of Lula’s leadership. Vieira sought to highlight the importance of these events.
According to Vieira, Lula opened the second meeting of G20 foreign ministers, an unprecedented milestone in the history of the group. For the first time, a G20 presidency decided to hold a second round of debates between foreign ministers, and in an innovative move, this meeting took place at UN headquarters, open not only to members of the group, but to other countries as well. This decision reflects Lula’s proposal to expand global dialogue and promote reforms in governance structures.
Also read what Lula said during the interview: Lula firmly highlights the weaknesses of the UN in resolving the conflict in Palestine and Ukraine
Global Governance Reform: A Landmark Document
The main breakthrough highlighted was the approval, by consensus, of a historic document by the G20 foreign ministers. The text, which addresses the urgency of reforming international institutions, represents a significant diplomatic achievement. The call to action, as described by Vieira, aims to drive changes in organizations such as the UN, multilateral financial institutions and the World Trade Organization (WTO). This movement reflects the growing global demand for a more inclusive and equitable governance system.
Vieira highlighted that, to date, around 90 countries have expressed support for the document, including G20 members and non-members, which reinforces the legitimacy of the proposal and its scope.
African Union inclusion and diversity in the G20
Another notable achievement is the formal inclusion of the African Union in the G20, a decision that took shape under the Brazilian presidency. The African Union now joins the group, marking an important step towards strengthening the representation of African nations in global discussions. This expansion of participation has been hailed as a reflection of Brazil’s foreign policy, which seeks greater diversity and balance in international negotiations.
The chancellor also highlighted that the G20, in addition to including the world’s largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, now also includes Mercosur, with all countries in the bloc being invited by the Brazilian presidency.
Bilateral meetings and strategic meetings
During his New York visit, President Lula also held a series of bilateral meetings. Among the highlights were talks with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Kerry Stammer, and the President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arevalo. Lula also attended a luncheon, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, on the new global financial pact. In addition, the Brazilian president met with Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to dialogue in the Middle East.
Concerns in Lebanon and Brazilian action
In his statement, Mauro Vieira also highlighted the attention that the Brazilian government has given to the crisis in Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have severely impacted the population, including the Brazilian community living in the country. Brazil has firmly condemned these attacks and urged the international community to intervene to stop the escalation of violence. The Brazilian embassy in Beirut, according to the chancellor, is offering support to Brazilians in the region.
Lula and the future of global diplomacy
The Foreign Minister’s speech highlights the proactive role that Brazil has been playing on the international stage under Lula’s leadership. Today’s meeting in New York represents an important step in the country’s ambitions to position itself as a champion of global governance reforms and inclusive diplomacy, while maintaining a strong commitment to democracy and peace.
Source: vermelho.org.br
