Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and US President Donald Trump engaged in an extensive 50-minute telephone conversation on Monday, touching on a range of diplomatic, economic and security concerns, according to official statements released by Brasília.
In the wide-ranging discussion, Lula urged Trump to narrow the scope of the US-led Board of Peace initiative strictly to the Gaza conflict, while advocating for Palestinian representation within the proposed framework.
The Brazilian leader reiterated the importance of comprehensive reform of the United Nations, calling for an expansion of permanent membership in the UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary global dynamics.
The Peace Board concept, designed to support future governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, has drawn both interest and criticism from across the world.
President Lula’s comments underscore a broader debate over the initiative’s mandate and its relationship with established multilateral institutions.
Economic Ties and Bilateral Engagements Strengthened
The two presidents exchanged views on their economic outlooks, citing positive indicators and strong growth prospects. Trump said economic momentum in the United States and Brazil would benefit the wider region.
Both leaders welcomed improved bilateral relations, noting that the easing of tariffs on Brazilian exports had strengthened ties.
Emphasising the value of direct engagement, Lula confirmed plans to visit Washington after his trips to India and South Korea in February, with dates to be finalised. He aims to reinforce strategic partnerships during visits to key global capitals.
Security featured prominently in the talks. The leaders discussed deeper cooperation against organised crime, including money-laundering and arms trafficking. Lula urged asset freezes for criminal groups and expanded financial data sharing, proposals that Trump received positively.
They also discussed Venezuela, where Lula stressed the need to preserve regional peace and prioritise the well-being of the Venezuelan people.
Overall, the call highlighted both cooperation and differences, with both leaders expressing willingness to continue dialogue on global governance and shared security challenges.
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