By Rosemary
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a 50-minute telephone conversation on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders agreed that Lula would visit Washington in the near future, according to a statement released by the Brazilian government.
The call covered a broad range of international and regional issues, reflecting renewed high-level engagement between Latin America’s largest economy and the United States. Among the key topics discussed were the political and humanitarian situation in Venezuela, efforts to combat transnational organized crime, and Trump’s recently announced proposal to establish a so-called Board of Peace.
Venezuela featured prominently in the discussion, with Lula underscoring the importance of maintaining peace and stability across South America. The Brazilian president emphasized that any international action should prioritize the welfare of the Venezuelan people and avoid steps that could further destabilize the region.
Lula has been openly critical of the recent U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was deposed earlier this month and transferred to New York to face drug-trafficking charges. In previous remarks, Lula described the move as crossing “an unacceptable line,” arguing that it risked setting a dangerous precedent in international relations. During Monday’s call, he reiterated his concerns and stressed the need for diplomatic solutions focused on humanitarian outcomes rather than escalation.
The two leaders also discussed Trump’s proposal for a Board of Peace, an initiative announced last week that has drawn mixed reactions from global powers. Lula suggested that the scope of the proposed body should be limited to addressing the conflict in Gaza, amid concerns that the initiative could expand beyond its original intent and potentially overlap with or challenge the role of the United Nations.
According to the Brazilian government’s statement, Lula further argued that any such body should include Palestinian representation, underscoring his long-standing position that inclusive dialogue is essential to resolving the conflict. The Brazilian president has previously criticized the initiative, saying it appeared to be an attempt to create a “new United Nations” under U.S. leadership. Trump, for his part, has maintained that the Board of Peace would operate alongside the United Nations rather than replace it.
The statement did not clarify whether Lula formally accepted an invitation to participate in the Board of Peace or whether further discussions on the initiative are planned.
The call marks a significant moment in U.S.–Brazil relations, signaling a willingness by both leaders to engage directly on sensitive geopolitical issues. Lula’s expected visit to Washington is likely to further shape the tone and direction of bilateral ties, particularly as both countries navigate complex regional challenges and shifting global dynamics.