Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio a “frustrated Latin American” and questioned his role in relations between the two countries.
During a speech at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in São José dos Campos, São Paulo state, Lula stated that Rubio doesn’t like Brazil and maintained that his position differs from that expressed by US President Donald Trump during bilateral talks.
“There is a man there who doesn’t like Brazil, who doesn’t like Latin America, and who is a Bolsonaro supporter: Secretary of State Marco Rubio. I told Trump: ‘That man doesn’t like Brazil,’” the president remarked.
“He is a Latin American man, or a frustrated Latin American. He is a descendant of Cubans from Miami, he hates Cuba, he hates Colombia, he hates Brazil,” he added.
According to the Brazilian head of state, his government maintains weekly telephone contact with the Trump administration and has sent documents challenging the arguments used by Washington to justify the trade measures against Brazil.
Lula recalled his meetings with the US president and stated that Trump always treated him with respect.
In that regard, he insisted on the need to preserve a constructive relationship between Brazil and the United States, countries that have maintained diplomatic ties for 201 years.
“We must convey to the world the responsibility of the two largest democracies in the world,” he stated, referring to the need to maintain harmony between the two nations.
The statements come amid growing bilateral tension after Washington imposed new tariffs on Brazilian products and accused Lula’s government of not negotiating in good faith.
Rubio publicly defended the measures and blamed the Brazilian president for the lack of a trade agreement, while also questioning Brazil’s economic policies and asserting that the tariffs were a consequence of Lula’s stance.
The Brazilian president reiterated his rejection on Friday of the environmental arguments used by Washington to justify some of the trade measures. He affirmed that Brazil remains committed to climate protection and combating child labor.
Lula announced his intention to present Trump with data on the reduction in deforestation recorded in Brazil during the first half of the year, in response to the US accusations.
In a meeting held yesterday with allies, Lula reported that efforts are underway to arrange a conversation with Trump, which could take place next week.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
