Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit to Bolivia on July 9, 2024, marked a significant step towards strengthening regional integration and cooperation in South America. Meeting with Bolivian President Luis Arce in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Lula emphasized the importance of collective action among South American countries, stating, ‘There is no individual exit for any country in South America. We must join forces, form a block, take joint decisions, and execute them, or we will continue to be countries in development’.The visit came in the wake of a failed military coup attempt in Bolivia in June, which Lula strongly condemned. He stressed the need to defend democracy against authoritarian tendencies, drawing parallels with Brazil’s own experiences. The two leaders signed several agreements, focusing on areas such as healthcare access, combating organized crime, and infrastructure development.A key topic of discussion was Bolivia’s potential integration into the BRICS group. Lula expressed that he would consider Bolivia’s inclusion ‘very positive,’ stating that the expansion of the group will be discussed at the October summit in Russia. Additionally, Lula invited Bolivia to participate in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November.The Brazilian president also advocated for Venezuela’s return to Mercosur, from which it has been suspended since 2017. Lula emphasized the importance of Venezuela’s political normalization for regional stability, calling for peaceful elections and recognition of results by all parties. He stated, ‘The normalization of political life in Venezuela means stability for all of South America’.On the economic front, Lula highlighted the potential for agricultural growth in South America and the importance of ensuring political, fiscal, economic, legal, and social stability for Bolivia’s development. Petrobras, Brazil’s state-owned oil company, announced plans to resume investments in Bolivia, with a focus on the natural gas sector.
Key points
- Lula visited Bolivia to strengthen regional integration and cooperation.
- Bolivia’s potential integration into BRICS was discussed positively.
- Lula advocated for Venezuela’s return to Mercosur and emphasized the importance of regional stability.
- The visit addressed the recent coup attempt in Bolivia and stressed the need to defend democracy.
- Economic cooperation, including Petrobras investments in Bolivia’s natural gas sector, was highlighted.
