Press Statement by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following the Official Visit of the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez

It brings me great joy to welcome the President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sánchez and reciprocate the warm welcome he extended to us during our visit to Madrid last April.

Today, we were able to once again confirm the strong bond between our governments.

Spain and Brazil, both significant democracies, stand together against extremism, the erosion of political discourse, and the proliferation of hate speech fueled by misinformation.

Our shared experience in countering the influence of far-right ideologies, which transcend national borders, underscores the necessity to unite all advocates of democracy.

It is imperative not to compromise with totalitarianism or succumb to paralysis in the face of these threats.

The defense of democracy is inherently tied to combating all forms of exclusion.

Both Brazil and Spain have encountered instances of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia, notably within the realm of high-profile sports.

Only through an inclusive social agenda can we forge prosperous, free, democratic, and sovereign societies.

In our meeting today, we have committed to advancing along this trajectory through tangible measures.

Spain stands as the second-largest contributor to foreign direct investment in Brazil, boasting a portfolio of established companies and assets valued at approximately $60 billion.

During my presentation to President Sánchez and the accompanying business delegation, I highlighted the burgeoning opportunities within the domains of infrastructure and sustainability, particularly in light of the new Growth Acceleration Program and Neo-industrialization Program.

Both our nations are making significant advancements in renewable energy, an area of collaboration that holds considerable appeal.

Brazil's potential in clean energy generation, including biofuels, wind, solar, and green hydrogen, is virtually boundless.

In 2023, the Brazilian economy demonstrated a 2.9% growth, surpassing projections set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This achievement instills confidence in Brazil as a stable and attractive option for investors.

The current $12 billion in commercial exchange serves as an example of this statement. We remain committed to further enhancing and diversifying our trade partnerships.

Our objective is to bolster the competitiveness of the Brazilian industry, leveraging innovation, fostering public-private collaboration, and ensuring access to financing at reasonable costs.

However, it is crucial to note that the competitiveness we strive for must not come at the expense of reducing household income, diminishing formal employment opportunities, constraining workers' rights, or dismantling social welfare policies.

Spain's approach provided valuable inspiration for the legislation governing via transportation apps work, which will benefit 1.5 million workers in Brazil.

During my discussion with President Sánchez, I outlined the Partnership for Workers' Rights that President Biden and I initiated last year alongside the UN General Assembly.

We mutually recognized the imperative of initiating a thorough dialogue on the governance of artificial intelligence to mitigate risks and ensure the equitable distribution of benefits across all nations.

Equally crucial is the need to collaborate on finding collective solutions to combat misinformation, which undermines social cohesion and weakens fundamental tenets of our democratic systems.

We also share a robust alignment concerning efforts to mitigate climate change.

Brazil has once again assumed a prominent position in this domain and is set to host COP30 in Belém in 2025, providing an opportunity for global engagement with the Amazon and our dedication to preserving the forest and its inhabitants.

I reaffirmed to President Sánchez the unwavering commitment of my government to achieve zero deforestation by 2030.

Climate change has intensified instances of severe drought globally. Hence, Brazil has joined today the International Drought Resilience Alliance, an initiative established by Spain and Senegal in 2022.

I reiterated the significance underscored by the Brazilian presidency of the G20 in addressing all forms of inequality, a pervasive issue that continues to afflict millions worldwide.

It is within this framework that Brazil's proposition for equitable and progressive international taxation, advocated within the G20, finds its place.

Additionally, I emphasized the establishment of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and conveyed Brazil's concern to President Sánchez regarding the debt burden disproportionately affecting developing nations.

This observation stems from my recent participation in the Summits of the African Union, CARICOM (Caribbean Community), and CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States).

There is a notable consensus within the Global South regarding the imperative need for reform within international organizations.

There exists a unanimous aspiration for a world characterized by peace and prosperity.

Pablo Picasso's renowned masterpiece, "Guernica”, eloquently encapsulates the collective outrage at the devastation wrought by wars and conflicts, serving as a poignant source of inspiration for the international community.

The evident paralysis of the Security Council in response to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza underscores the pressing necessity for reforms within the global governance system, aimed at rendering it more inclusive, legitimate, and efficacious.

Transforming the right to self-defense into a quest for vengeance effectively results in collective punishment, indiscriminately claiming the lives of innocent women and children.

It is imperative to expedite progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian State, acknowledging it as a full member of the United Nations—a financially viable entity capable of peaceful coexistence with Israel.

Brazil and Spain share a longstanding history of friendship and cooperation. President Pedro Sánchez and I remain dedicated to advancing our strategic partnership both bilaterally and multilaterally, confronting the challenges of our era without hesitation.

Thank you very much.