Trump says the US loves Bolsonaro, but offers no concessions to Brazil.
"I don't make promises," Donald Trump told reporters covering Jair Bolsonaro's visit to the United States.
Sputnik – During a meeting in Florida between the presidents of the US and Brazil, Donald Trump praised Jair Bolsonaro and said that the "friendship" between the two "countries is stronger than ever."
However, when asked by an American reporter present at the ceremony if the United States would impose new tariffs on Brazilian steel and aluminum, the Republican stated that he could not make "promises."
The two leaders dined together on Saturday night (7) at Mar-a-Lago, the US president’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Before the event, Trump made several compliments to Bolsonaro, stating that Brazil and the US “love” the Brazilian leader.
"We have a very good relationship. The friendship is probably stronger now than ever," said the US head of state, according to the newspaper O Globo.
Next came the question about tariffs, and Trump replied, "I don't make promises."
Trump also said that Brazil was "doing things right" and had made a "turnaround" under Bolsonaro.
The president then replied that he "drew inspiration from some things" in Trump.
Besides Bolsonaro, also present were Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo, Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro (PSL-SP), Defense Minister Fernando de Azevedo e Silva, the head of the Institutional Security Office, General Heleno, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, Nestor Forster.
On the US side, in addition to Trump, were his advisor and daughter, Ivanka Trump, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, the National Security Advisor, Robert O'Brien, the president of the United States International Development Finance Corporation, Adam Boehler, and the director for the Western Hemisphere of the White House National Security Council, Mauricio Claver-Carone.
This is the 4th meeting between the two presidents.
In a statement, the White House said the two presidents will discuss opportunities to "restore democracy in Venezuela," the "Middle East peace process," "trade policies," and "infrastructure investments." There is also the possibility of signing agreements in the military area.
Bolsonaro will spend four days in Florida. This is his fourth trip to the US since taking office. This is also the fourth time Trump and the Brazilian president have met.
In March 2019, Bolsonaro was received at the White House; in June, the leaders met in Japan at the G20 summit; and in September, at the UN General Assembly in New York.