Brazil, Venezuela Start 'New Era' as Partners: What Does This Mean?

Amid mixed sentiments surrounding his socialist government's alleged human rights violations, President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela received a warm welcome from Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his visit to the presidential palace in Brasilia. Lula greeted Maduro with a hug and a friendly backslap, and an honor guard met them.

Lula expressed that Venezuela has historically been an exceptional partner for Brazil but cited political circumstances and past mistakes that prevented Maduro from visiting Brazil over the past eight years, per France 24.

During a news conference, Lula emphasized the significance of Maduro's presence, acknowledging the improvement in bilateral relations.

During the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2022, Brazil severed diplomatic ties with the Maduro regime and aligned itself with the United States and around 50 other countries in recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. This move followed the widely criticized 2018 elections in Venezuela, which were deemed fraudulent.

Since assuming office in January, Lula has pursued a foreign policy reform that includes reestablishing ties with Maduro's administration. Inviting Maduro to Brazil for a summit of South American leaders, Lula referred to the Venezuelan leader's arrival as the beginning of his political resurgence and a fresh chapter in the relationship between the two nations.

Lula further expressed his belief that denying Maduro's legitimacy as Venezuela's president was unjust when he was elected by the people, condemning the prejudice against the neighboring country's government.

Meanwhile, Maduro celebrated the start of a "new era" between Brazil and Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of unity between the two nations.

Maduro, Lula Slam US Sanctions on Venezuela

During a regional South American conference in Brasilia on Monday, Venezuela's Maduro and Brazil's Lula took the opportunity to criticize the United States for imposing sanctions on their respective countries. Maduro expressed his hope that the conference would advocate for lifting these sanctions.

Despite international recognition of Maduro as an authoritarian leader accused of suppressing free elections, Lula, a fellow socialist, came to his defense and criticized the United States for what he deemed "extremely exaggerated" sanctions, Reuters noted.

Lula disclosed that he had discussions with the United States and fellow Social Democrats regarding the legality of Maduro's presidency and the "900 sanctions" Venezuela faces. He found it ludicrous that Maduro's status as the legitimate president of Venezuela is denied.

Maduro Improves Relationships with Other Left-Wing Leaders

Lula's recent embrace of the Maduro administration follows a broader trend among leftist leaders in the region seeking to repair relations with Venezuela, which was previously isolated by the international community due to allegations of political oppression and curtailment of civil liberties, according to Al Jazeera.

In Colombia, under the leadership of left-leaning President Gustavo Petro, who assumed office in August 2022, there was a notable shift away from the aggressive approach adopted by his conservative predecessor Ivan Duque. This resulted in improved relations between Colombia and Venezuela.

The two nations have taken steps to restore diplomatic ties and are actively working towards strengthening their relationship, including initiatives aimed at reducing barriers along their shared border. Petro and Maduro held a face-to-face meeting in Caracas, Venezuela, signifying a renewed engagement between the two countries in November.

However, it is worth noting that both Colombia and Venezuela have recently announced plans to increase their military presence along the border, recognizing the area as a hotspot for various illicit activities.

This move underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining security and stability in the region.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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