Lula: Tackling hunger, poverty should stand atop global agenda
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Wednesday (Apr. 26) that the eradication of hunger and poverty must be placed back on the international agenda as a priority. Lula is on an official trip to Spain and attended a lunch hosted by King Felipe VI at the Royal Palace, in Madrid.
In his brief speech, the 77-year-old Brazilian leader talked about about bilateral ties and the need to preserve peace, citing the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“Brazilians and Spaniards are committed to sustainable development as well as energy and ecological transitions. We share the urgency of protecting the environment and combating climate change. It is also time to put the eradication of hunger and poverty back at the top of the international agenda. There can be no sustainability without social justice, or sustainability in a world at war,” he declared.
Lula once again condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We want to open paths to dialogue and leave the exits offered by diplomacy free. Without a cease-fire, one cannot move forward. This war raging in the heart of Europe is a tragedy for all of humanity. The world needs peace; the world also needs solidarity,” he added.
Since taking office, the Brazilian president has advocated the creation of a group of neutral countries to negotiate an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During a trip to China earlier this month, Lula went as far as to criticize the US and the European Union for “encouraging the war” by supplying weapons to Ukraine. Now, in Europe, the president has been reaffirming his support of a negotiated solution for peace in Ukraine.
Eurotrip
Lula has been on an official trip to Europe since Friday (21). His engagements started in Portugal, and the Brazilian delegation landed in Madrid on Tuesday (25). In the Spanish capital, the president met with union leaders and attended a business forum. On Wednesday, he met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the Moncloa Palace in an act-signing ceremony, then went to a lunch at the Royal Palace.
“I return to Spain committed to relaunching the strategic partnership we were honored to forge 20 years ago. In addition to our past cooperation and cultural as well as linguistic affinities, we also share political and economic ties of high importance. We are two great democracies; trade between us totals nearly $15 billion, which shows great vigor,” Lula stated.
Late in the afternoon, the Brazilian delegation should return to Brazil. They are expected to arrive in Brasília at 10:30 pm.
