RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Friday, September 13th, where both countries strengthened diplomatic and economic ties between them.
In a statement to the press, the Brazilian chancellor reaffirmed Brazil’s sovereignty over the Amazon and the significance of the region’s development. Mike Pompeo pointed out that under the leadership of President Jair Bolsonaro, the country is entering a new era of prosperity and economic growth.
“Together, we want to build mechanisms to develop the Amazon region, because we are convinced that this is the only way to really protect the forest,” said Araújo, mentioning the generation of jobs and economic development for the region.
Pompeo, for his part, mentioned the ongoing negotiations for the establishment of a US$100 (R$400) million fund for the conservation of biodiversity in the Amazon: “This month, members of the Brazilian and US governments will be continuing the negotiations that our presidents began in March, to establish an investment fund in the amount of US$100 million for the conservation of biodiversity in the Amazon”.
Mike Pompeu further remarked on the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. He praised Brazil’s support for the government of self-proclaimed Venezuelan President Juan Guaidó and referred to the reception of over 180,000 Venezuelans who had fled their country. According to the US secretary, this hospitality demonstrates the Brazilian government’s commitment: “This generosity is a testament to the Brazilian government’s commitment to upholding security and protecting human rights in the region”.
On Tuesday, September 10th, the Brazilian Chancellor traveled to the United States and is returning to Brazil this weekend.
Source: Agência Brasil