RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Jair Bolsonaro evaluated today, February 18, that the trips to Russia and Hungary were positive and said he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for supporting Brazilian sovereignty over the Amazon in international discussions. The president’s entourage returned from Eastern Europe and went directly to Petrópolis (Rio de Janeiro State), where a storm left more than 120 dead and caused destruction.
“I was for two hours at one and a half meters from Mr. Vladimir Putin, in a very healthy conversation and even in some moments of relaxation, which shows his affection for us. I thanked him in public and particularly what is very dear to us: our Amazon region,” said Bolsonaro, adding that “he is a great ally on our side in this issue so dear to us of national sovereignty.”
The president also said that the trip to Russia had as a balance the commitment of the Russian business community to supply fertilizers to Brazilian agribusiness, as well as the final word from a Russian company that it will produce fertilizers in Três Lagoas, in Mato Grosso do Sul State. “We signed some agreements or protocols of intentions aimed at defense, energy, and oil prospecting,” he said.
The trip came at a time of tension in relations between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Western countries, which accuse Moscow of planning to invade Ukraine. At the same time, the Russians say they feel threatened by a possible accession of their neighbor to the military alliance.
President Bolsonaro said the issue was also discussed between him and Putin during the meeting. “I had a contact with Putin for more than two hours. We had lunch. A conversation about several subjects, among them, obviously this issue that brings a certain tension to the world. A reserved conversation.”
About Hungary, Bolsonaro also stated that he was well-received, and bilateral meetings were held between members of his government and the European country. “Our passage through Hungary was also exceptional,” he said.