Itamaraty confirms Lula's participation in the next G7 Summit in Japan
Brazil may include topics of its economic and commercial interest in the meetings of the "group of rich nations".
247 - Itamaraty confirmed, this Friday (5), the participation of President Lula in the next G7 Summit, in Hiroshima, Japan, between May 19 and 21.
The G7 brings together Germany, Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Lula was invited to participate in the meeting by the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida. Australia, Comoros, Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam were also invited to the meeting.
"Brazil shares values that unite the G7 countries – such as strengthening democracy, economic modernization, and protecting the environment and human rights – and maintains permanent coordination with its members on topics on the international agenda, whether bilaterally or within the scope of the G20 and international organizations in which Brazil and the G7 members interact," the ministry said in a press release.
De agreement In an interview with journalist Jamil Chade, Brazilian diplomats point out that G7 statements are usually published without the endorsement of the participating countries, which could cause embarrassment for Brazil.
According to political scientist and ESPM professor Denilde Holzhacker, Brazil could influence the group's debates.
"The great advantage is sitting at a negotiating table with the main leaders of Western countries. This allows a country the size of Brazil to have a dialogue and influence decision-making," Holzhacker told Sputnik Brazil.
For her, another advantage would be Brazil's ability to include topics of its economic and commercial interest in the meetings of the "group of rich nations."
"The main disadvantage is that there is pressure regarding some issues that the Brazilian government probably wouldn't want to face, such as environmental issues, [...] in light of the conflict in Ukraine and the rapprochement between Brazil and China," declared Holzhacker.
According to the expert, participating in international debates involves political costs and pressure for Brazil to change some positions that displease Western countries.
"Brazil must face these costs and pressures [...], even while defending the autonomy of its foreign policy," Holzhacker considered. "The invitation is a recognition of Brazil's prestige, but it involves a logic of pressure on some issues that Brazil defends."
If he participates in the summit, President Lula's main challenge will be to maintain his position of impartiality regarding the Ukrainian conflict.
In its latest joint statement, the G7 pledged to promote "strong sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine." For Brazil, signing a similar document could compromise its position of impartiality regarding the Ukrainian conflict. (With Sputnik Brazil).