By Arkady Petrov
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro met U.S. President Donald Trump this Friday, June 28th, in Osaka, Japan, three months after his official visit to the United States.
The heads of government discussed further economic sanctions for both Venezuela and Cuba, according to a statement by Eduardo Bolsonaro, the president of the Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Relations Committee, on TV Globo. Trump again said that “all options were on the table” when he discussed the Venezuelan situation.
Otávio Rêgo Barros, the president’s spokesman, said the U.S. and Brazilian governments understand that “it is through economic pressure that we will be able to make democracy viable in Venezuela.”
According to the spokesman, the two countries may analyze measures to lead to the “dehydration” of sponsors who may be providing some financial support to the government of Nicolás Maduro. Barros also explained that, among Venezuela’s supporters, “obviously, we cannot fail to identify Cuba.” However, Barros did not provide details as to specific measures that may be taken against the two countries.
Venezuela is facing a severe economic and political crisis that has caused more than four million people to flee the country. Amid galloping inflation that exceeded 1,000,000 percent in 2018 and the devaluation of the currency, Venezuelans are facing shortages of food and medicine.
The meeting of the two leaders was held in a rather agreeable mood.
“I’ve always admired him since before the election. We have a lot in common. We are two leaders of countries that can do a lot for their poor together. We are available to speak with Trump so that we can form partnerships. I love the American people. Brazil’s politics have changed. We are interested and pleased to get closer to the United States,” Bolsonaro said during a meeting that brought together delegations from both countries.
Trump praised Bolsonaro during the meeting. “He is a special man, doing very well, very much loved by the people of Brazil.” Moreover, he is proud of the relationship he has with president Trump,” he said, alongside the Brazilian president.
Bolsonaro expressed support for Trump in his re-election and invited him to visit Brazil before the election. “I hope you will visit us before the election, if possible.”