Brazil’s Lula discussed with Biden climate change, job creation initiative By Reuters
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the launch ceremony of Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) at Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Theater, Brazil, August 11, 2023. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo
BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday he discussed with U.S. President Joe Biden efforts to fight climate change, as well as the outcome of a summit of rainforest nations held in Brazil last week.
In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Lula said he and Biden spoke by phone and also discussed a joint initiative between the countries to create jobs that should be launched soon.
Later on Wednesday, the White House confirmed the conversation in a statement, adding that two leaders spoke about Biden’s commitment to request $500 million from the U.S. Congress over five years to support the Brazilian-administered Amazon (NASDAQ:) Fund, aimed at boosting environmental protections.
The presidents discussed “ongoing efforts to help mobilize up to $1 billion to support the restoration of degraded lands in Brazil and the Amazon region.”
Both leaders also committed to maintaining “active communication” about Venezuela and Haiti, the statement added.
