President Jair Bolsonaro and US President Joe Biden had a bilateral meeting on Thursday night (Jun. 9) in Los Angeles, during the 9th Summit of the Americas, which brings together leaders from most countries in the Western Hemisphere. This is their first meeting since Biden came to power in January 2021. The press statement lasted around 10 minutes.
In his speech, Bolsonaro said Brazil will be one of the largest exporters of clean energy on the planet. He praised agribusiness and reaffirmed the country is an example in preserving the environment, despite the "difficulties".
"Regarding the environmental issue, we have our difficulties, but we are doing all we can to meet our needs, to foster our interests, and also to accommodate the will of the world. We are an example in the eyes of the world when it comes to an environmental agenda. In addition to food security, clean energy, as well as in the environmental issue, Brazil is a giant, and it presents itself to the world as the solution to many problems," he said.
Bolsonaro said he is interested in getting closer and closer to the United States. He mentioned common values between the two nations and commented on the Brazilian elections in October. "This year we are having elections in Brazil, and we wish for honest, reliable, and auditable elections. And I'm sure that when I leave the government, it will also be in a democratic way," he pointed out.
Regarding Russia's war in Ukraine, Bolsonaro said he wishes for peace, and he is doing everything possible to achieve it, but without taking measures that could have economic consequences for Brazil. The United States and Europe have been leading trade boycotts against the Russians to push for an end to the war.
"We regret the conflicts, but I have a country to manage. We have to be cautious, because the consequences of the pandemic, with the mistaken policy of "stay home, we'll take care of the economy later" - aggravated by a war 10,000 km away from Brazil - the economic consequences are harmful to all of us," he argued. "We are available to collaborate in the construction of a solution to this episode between Ukraine and Russia, which we do not wish," he added.
Biden spoke before Bolsonaro. He made a shorter statement, welcomed the Brazilian leader, and said that other countries should help finance the preservation of the Amazon.
"We have to help the economic recovery and also the climate issue. You are trying to protect the Amazon, I think the rest of the world should help finance this preservation. This is a very big responsibility. We have to connect our people and I'm looking forward to knowing what you think about it. I'd like to hear your opinion, and also raise some issues of mutual interest," Biden said.
The American President also spoke of affinities between both countries and praised Brazil, calling it a "wonderful country", with its "magnificent people" and "strong institutions".
Brazil´s president of the Chamber of Deputies Arthur Lira, and some ministers were present at the meeting.
Today (Jun. 10), Bolsonaro participates in the deliberative session of the Summit of the Americas. Later on, the Brazilian president and his delegation will travel to Orlando (Florida) to inaugurate the new Brazilian consulate, among other activities.
