Mauro Vieira confirms that Lula and Trump discussed the meeting

In an interview with CNN in the United States , the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chancellor Mauro Vieira confirmed early in the afternoon of this Tuesday (23) that the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and the American, Republican Donald Trump , spoke about a meeting between the two countries.

Vieira said the two exchanged a few brief words as Lula was leaving the stage where he delivered his opening speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. Trump followed Lula's speech. Before addressing the audience, the two reportedly met for a few seconds.

"Brazil is a negotiating country, and we are always ready to sit down and negotiate, but I always say that the political and legal issues are non-negotiable; there is no room for that," said the chancellor.

Referring to the imposition of tariffs on Brazil, Mauro Vieira assessed that they are illegal and outside the framework of World Trade Organization agreements, but Brazil is nevertheless willing to negotiate on them with the US government. In July, the Trump administration announced 50% tariffs on Brazilian products .

Speaking specifically about the brief conversation between Lula and Trump at the UN meeting, Vieira said they had never met in person. "Today they had the opportunity to hold hands and exchange a few words, 15 to 20 seconds. I hope President Lula and President Trump meet. President Lula is always ready to talk to any head of state who is in Brazil's best interests."

According to Vieira, this could happen in the coming days and would likely be via phone call or video conference "because President Lula has a very busy schedule." "It may not be possible to meet in person, but they will find a way," the chancellor said.