Lula supports creation of Amazonian Parliament to enhance collaboration among countries

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva advocated for the establishment of an Amazonian Parliament and a Forum of Amazonian Cities to enhance collaboration among countries in the region.

Lula made this proposal during his closing speech at the Technical-Scientific Meeting of the Amazon in Leticia, Colombia.

The event, hosted by the Colombian government under President Gustavo Petro, took place on the border of Tabatinga, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.

Lula emphasized the importance of recognizing the roles of mayors, governors, and parliamentarians in shaping public policies, highlighting the significance of their local knowledge.

He expressed the intention to formalize the Forum of Amazonian Cities and the Amazonian Parliament as vehicles for regional cooperation.

The meeting between the Brazilian and Colombian governments occurred a month ahead of the Amazon Summit, scheduled for August 8th in Belém do Pará.

The summit will include the participation of the presidents of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

With the exception of Peru and Ecuador, all these countries are currently aligned with the Foro de São Paulo, an organization that brings together left-wing parties and movements in the region.

Together, these nations constitute the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO).

In addition to the Amazonian countries, French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the Amazon Summit on behalf of French Guiana, a French overseas territory.

Macron’s name was prominently mentioned in the recent basic document of the 26th Meeting of the Sao Paulo Forum in Brasilia.

Lula regarded ACTO as a “tool” capable of addressing the pressing challenge of climate change, projecting the Amazon countries toward the forefront.

He proposed that these nations unite to achieve zero illegal deforestation in the region by 2030.

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