French President Emmanuel Macron concluded a three-day state visit to Brazil on March 28, 2024. During his visit, Macron traveled to the Amazon, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and finally Brasilia. In Brasilia, Macron expressed his desire to strengthen relations between France and Brazil and showcased his close bond with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A Bahian gastronomic lunch was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Itamaraty, with former footballer Rai Souza Vieira de Oliveira and Dimitri Payet, now an offensive midfielder at Vasco da Gama, in attendance.
Prior to the lunch, Macron was received at the presidential palace of Planalto, a monumental work by Oscar Niemeyer located on the Place of the Three Powers, which had been devastated by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8, 2023. Lula made sure to show proper etiquette to his French guest, embracing Macron several times before awarding him the highest distinction for foreigners, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Southern Cross. In return, Macron decorated the Brazilian First Lady, Rosângela da Silva, also known as “Janja,” with the Legion of Honor. Despite the light-hearted atmosphere, the meeting between the two leaders focused on serious issues such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Following their meeting, the Brazilian president emphasized his commitment to negotiating for peace, while Macron had recently mentioned the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine to aid in resisting Russian attacks. Lula, however, stated that being thousands of kilometers away from Ukraine allowed him to not feel the same level of concern as the French, and he believed that Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin needed to come to an agreement. Macron defended France as a peacekeeping power that would not hesitate to defend democracy and international law. He also suggested that inviting Putin to the G20 summit in Rio in November should be based on consensus and not cause division.
The article highlights the importance of Franco-Brazilian relations and the need for cooperation on global issues. Despite their differences, Macron and Lula demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground on peacekeeping efforts. The visit also showcased cultural exchanges, as seen in the Bahian lunch and the exchange of honors between the two leaders. The complex geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, highlighted the challenges faced by both countries in maintaining stability and promoting peace.
In conclusion, Macron’s visit to Brazil marked a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries and fostering collaboration on international issues. The warmth and camaraderie displayed between Macron and Lula underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in addressing global challenges. As both leaders navigate complex geopolitical issues, their commitment to finding peaceful solutions and promoting international cooperation will be crucial in advancing shared goals and building a more stable and secure world.
