The White House confirmed this Tuesday that the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will visit Washington on 10 February to meet with his American counterpart, Joe Biden, on a trip that aims to strengthen bilateral relations.
During their meeting, Lula and Biden will talk about the “unwavering” support of the US for Brazilian democracy and how the two countries can continue to work together to promote inclusion and democratic valuesespecially in view of the virtual summit for democracy to be held in March, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre reported in a statement.
Both will also address how to continue acting together in the face of common challenges such as climate change, food security, the strengthening of peace and security, or the management of regional immigration.
Lula had already advanced that his visit was going to take place on February 10, but the date had not been confirmed from Washington until now.
It is unknown if Biden and Lula will talk about the situation of the former president of Brazil Jair Bolsonarowho is currently in the US and about whom the White House is avoiding questions about the visa he requested to stay in the country.
His presence in the US has aroused the discomfort of some legislators from the Democratic Party, to which Biden belongs, who believe that the country should not give Bolsonaro refuge after thousands of his supporters stormed the headquarters of Congress on January 8, the Presidency and the Supreme Court of Brazil.
The same day of the Bolsonaristas assault, Biden condemned the attack; and a day later he conveyed to Lula by telephone the “unwavering support” of the US for democracy in Brazil and the will that the Brazilians expressed in the presidential elections in October when they elected Lula, the White House reported at the time.
Besides, Jair Bolsonaro has applied for a six-month tourist visa to stay in the United Stateshis lawyer said Monday, despite calls to revoke any U.S. visa the former president holds following the attempted coup in Brasilia.
The United States received the petition on Friday, its legal representative said, Philip Alexanderwho added that Bolsonaro will remain in that country while his request is pending.
“He would like to take some time off, clear his head and enjoy being a tourist in the United States for a few months before deciding what his next move will be,” Alexandre said in an email response to Reuters.
With information from EFE
Keep reading:
The Brazilian Congress inaugurated a new legislature and will elect the new authorities for Lula’s government
Argentina and Brazil propose a bizarre common currency
Source-www.infobae.com