"Arriving in Santiago de Chile, where the federal government will work to expand relations of cooperation, trade, investment and exchange between our brother countries," said the Brazilian president through his profile on the social network .
The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, begins this Monday a state visit in Chile that takes place in the midst of disagreements with his Chilean counterpart, Gabriel Boric, over the situation in Venezuela after the presidential elections, and during which Both countries are expected to close several agreements on trade or tourism, among others.
"Arriving in Santiago de Chile, where the federal government will work to expand relations of cooperation, trade, investment and exchange between our brother countries," said the Brazilian president through his profile on the social network .
The Government of Brazil has indicated that this "occasion marks the beginning of a new stage in the relationship, with the signing of several agreements and negotiations on various issues, which represents an important expansion of the bilateral agenda."
"Brazil remains firm in its commitment to political-diplomatic rapprochement, especially with South American countries," he said after indicating that Lula will meet with Boric and other Chilean authorities.
It is expected that, among other issues, an action plan will be formalized to encourage tourism between both countries.
For this reason, the Brazilian delegation has among its members the Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino, and the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo.
This Monday afternoon, Boric and Lula da Silva are also scheduled to participate in the closing of the Chile - Brazil Business Forum, organized by the Manufacturing Development Society (Sofofa) and the Brazilian Embassy in Chile.
Beyond the strategic bilateral agenda, the disagreements between both leaders about the situation in Venezuela after the elections will probably be addressed during Lula's visit. Brazil, Colombia and Mexico have requested the publication of the minutes, but have shown caution when making public statements, while Boric has been one of the most blunt leaders in the region, going so far as to assure after the election night that Nicolás Maduro's victory "is difficult to believe."
In addition, Chile - as well as six other countries in the region - has been affected by Caracas' decision to expel diplomatic personnel, accusing them of not recognizing Maduro's victory in the presidential elections.
The Chilean president criticized the "implausible arguments" of said order: "We have done nothing more than maintain what we believe is correct: that the results of the election are transparent and verifiable," he concluded.
