French Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva displayed their agreement on major international issues on Thursday March 28, even minimizing their differences on the war in Ukraine.

A welcome that was both solemn and warm to the presidential palace of Brasilia, a modernist building and city designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer: Emmanuel Macron's three-day state visit to the Latin American giant concluded with the all-round partnership and “diplomatic intimacy” between the two countries, according to the expression used Wednesday in Sao Paulo (south-east) by the French president.

While the Brazilian head of state saw the Brazil-France relationship as a "bridge between the global South and the developed world", his French counterpart welcomed his action. And gave his support to the Brazilian presidency of the G20, in particular on a reform of global governance and taxation of the richest, two themes dear to the icon of the left.

Putin invited?

The moment of truth will come at the G20 heads of state summit in November in Rio de Janeiro, at a time when the wars in Ukraine and Gaza challenge multilateralism.

Westerners, and in particular France, support kyiv at arm's length. Lula has stood out in the past by judging that responsibilities are shared in Ukraine, and has refused to isolate Russia. Will he go so far as to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the summit of the most industrialized countries?

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (d) and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron during the signing of bilateral agreements, March 28, 2024 in Brasilia © Ludovic MARIN / POOL/AFP

Lula only noted that we must accept “diversity” within organizations like the G20, without going any further. He also estimated that "the two stubborn people will have to get along", in reference to Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Bromance” and Legion of Honor

If he bluntly reiterated that the fate of distant Ukraine is not Brazil's priority, the situation in neighboring Venezuela affects him much more. On this subject, the French and Brazilian leaders were in unison, condemning the exclusion of opponent Corina Yoris from the July presidential election.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron (l) at the Planalto Palace, March 28, 2024 in Brasilia © Jacques WITT / POOL/AFP

“We very firmly condemn the exclusion of a serious and credible candidate from this process,” declared Emmanuel Macron. Lula considered his exclusion from the game against President Nicolas Maduro, in power for 11 years, "serious".

The Brazilian leader had until then defended his Venezuelan counterpart in the face of criticism from the international community, even describing accusations of authoritarianism as "narrative".

Opponent Corina Yoris, Venezuelan presidential candidate, during a press conference in Caracas, March 25, 2024 © Ronald PEÑA / AFP

Protection and sustainable development of the Amazon, cooperation in the manufacturing of submarines, economy: Emmanuel Macron and Lula worked for three days to highlight a very broad partnership.

Even on the trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, of which Brazil is the heavyweight, the two leaders did not dwell on their differences.

To his guest who said on Wednesday that he wanted to bury a "very bad agreement" negotiated for more than 20 years - an opposition even greater since the agricultural crisis in Europe - Lula said he was "very calm" and noted that Brazil " do not negotiate with France" but with the EU.

With lots of smiles, hugs and handshakes, Emmanuel Macron and Lula added a personal dimension to this visit which delighted Brazilian Internet users.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (d) decorates his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron with the National Order of the Southern Cross, an honor distinguishing distinguished foreigners, on March 28, 2024 in Brasilia © Ludovic MARIN / POOL/AFP

Social networks were amused by a "bromance" between the 46-year-old former banker and the 78-year-old ex-union leader - a far cry from Jair Bolsonaro, who during his presidency had copiously insulted the Macron couple.

"Some have compared the images of my visit to Brazil to those of a wedding, I tell them: it was one! France loves Brazil and Brazil loves France!", assumed the French president on the time of his departure.

This agreement has not even forgotten Rosangela da Silva, the influential Brazilian First Lady: “Janja”, as she calls herself, was elevated by Emmanuel Macron to the rank of officer of the Legion of Honor.

With AFP

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