Brazil and the United States released a joint statement on Thursday evening (16) expressing a positive tone regarding the outcome of a meeting earlier that day between top diplomatic representatives from both nations at the White House in Washington, D.C.
“U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and held very positive discussions on trade and ongoing bilateral issues,” it stated, according to the Brazilian government’s official channel.
After the meeting, Vieira told reporters that another round of talks is scheduled for November to continue the dialogue following months of diplomatic tension. The statement from Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, Itamaraty, confirmed this plan: “Rubio, Ambassador Greer, and Mauro Vieira agreed to collaborate and conduct discussions on several fronts in the immediate future, as well as to establish a joint work plan. Both parties also agreed to work together toward a meeting between President Trump and President Lula at the earliest possible opportunity,” the note concluded.
Thursday’s meeting was divided into two parts: an initial private conversation between the two ministers, followed by a session including diplomats and trade representatives from both governments. The 50% tariff imposed on Brazilian goods was the main topic of the bilateral agenda, and Vieira confirmed that negotiations to reverse the measure are expected to begin soon.
Beyond tariffs, the United States has also imposed several sanctions in recent months against Brazilian officials — actions that Brasília has viewed as political pressure orchestrated by the Bolsonaro family. These measures had strained relations between the two countries, which historically maintained a long-standing record of cooperation and harmony.
“The important thing is that a constructive attitude prevailed, with practical steps toward resuming negotiations between the two nations,” said Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. “There is good chemistry between the governments, and dialogue is open.”
The meeting between Vieira and Rubio marked the first high-level encounter since Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency in January. It also signaled a diplomatic thaw following a brief conversation between Lula and Trump during the United Nations General Assembly in September in New York.
*With informations from Agência Brasil.
