Venezuela and Brazil relations: Brazil’s President Lula has taken the first step to defy the US. Lula’s step towards defiance is a stark reminder to Biden. A reminder that Latin American countries won’t tolerate US’ diktats in its internal affairs.
This is a major blow to US’ outreach in Latin America, which it considers as its own backyard.
New chapter in Venezuela and Brazil relations
On February 24th, Manuel Vadell, Venezuela’s Ambassador-designate to Brazil, presented his credentials to María Laura da Rocha, the Secretary General of Foreign Affairs. The two officials discussed the possible restoration of bilateral relations and the reopening of embassies, as per the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
A Secretária-Geral das Relações Exteriores, Embaixadora Maria Laura da Rocha 🇧🇷, recebeu do Embaixador da Venezuela, Manuel Vadell 🇻🇪, as cópias figuradas de suas credenciais. Trataram da normalização das relações bilaterais e da reabertura das respectivas embaixadas. pic.twitter.com/76QDYFIx7L
— Itamaraty Brasil 🇧🇷 (@ItamaratyGovBr) February 24, 2023
This is a major development between the countries. Though, it was a long time coming.
Brazil is also looking to appoint its ambassador to Venezuela. In December itself, Mauro Vieira, the foreign minister had declared that a diplomatic group will visit Caracas. The mission will prepare for the establishment of a Brazilian embassy before an ambassador is approved by Brazil’s legislature.
Read More: From Inside the CIA: Exposing America’s Ideology
Following the first contact, the Venezuelan Parliament with a Chavista majority unanimously endorsed Vadell as the nation’s ambassador to Brazil, once the Brazilian Government had given him diplomatic credentials. On January 18, Venezuela welcomed Flávio Macieira, Brazil’s chargé d’affaires, which was another step towards the restoration of the two countries’ ties.
Lula’s initiatives
Relations have deteriorated between Venezuela and Brazil since 2019. It was when the then-President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2023) declared his support for opposition figure Juan Guaidó as the “interim president” of Venezuela.
¡Buenas nuevas! Se abre el camino para el reinicio de las relaciones diplomáticas entre la República Federativa de Brasil y la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Celebro la nueva etapa de hermandad y cooperación entre dos pueblos hermanos. https://t.co/JavUZurzEN
— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) February 25, 2023
In 2020, Bolsonaro issued a proclamation preventing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his cabinet from entering Brazil. This was in response to the U.S. and other countries claiming the results of the Venezuelan election to be fraudulent.
Then, in April 2020, Brazil took the step of terminating its foreign mission in Venezuela. It removed all diplomats and officials from its embassy and consulates. The move was a result of the deteriorating ties with the Nicolás Maduro administration. However, Lula who won the Brazilian election in October. He signalled his intent to try and resolve the strained relations between Venezuela and Brazil.
Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, marked the resumption of diplomatic ties between Venezuela and Brazil with a celebration.
Read More: Brazil sets the ball of ‘De-Dollarisation’ rolling in South America
Maduro on his Twitter account wrote, “Good news! The way is open for the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I salute the new stage of fraternity and cooperation between two brotherly peoples.”
Lula takes on the US
The US government has been pushing for other Latin American countries to recognize Maduro as illegitimate and back the US sanctions against the country.
However, Lula has refused to budge on the issue. His actions have made it clear that that the US should respect the will of the Venezuelan people and not interfere in their internal affairs. This move has been seen as a sign of Brazil’s growing strength and independence, and it could be a signal of more assertive behaviour from the country in the future.
The decision by Brazil to establish relations with Venezuela may cause a rift between US and Brazil. In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how this rift plays out and how the US will respond to Brazil’s decision.
It was long anticipated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pszgYpdcoxA
