Brazil can include issues of its economic and commercial interest in the meetings of the “Group of the Rich”.
President Lula
247 The Itamaraty this Friday (5th) confirmed President Lula’s attendance at the next G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, between May 19th and 21st.
The G7 brings together Germany, Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. Lula was invited to attend the meeting by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Also invited to the meeting were Australia, Comoros, Cook Islands, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Vietnam.
“Brazil shares values that bring the G7 countries together such as strengthening democracy, economic modernization and protecting the environment and human rights and maintains permanent coordination with its members on issues on the international agenda, be it bilateral, whether in Framework of the G20 and international organizations in which Brazil and the members of the G7 cooperate,” the ministry said in a press release.
According to journalist Jamil Chade, Brazilian diplomats point out that G7 statements are usually released without the consent of the participating countries, which could embarrass Brazil.
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For political scientist and ESPM professor Denilde Holzhacker, Brazil can influence the group’s debates.
“The great benefit is sitting at the negotiating table with the main leaders of Western countries. This allows a country the size of Brazil to hold talks and influence decisions,” Holzhacker told Sputnik Brasil.
A further advantage for them would be the possibility for Brazil to bring up topics of its economic and commercial interest in the meetings of the “group of the rich”.
“The main downside is that there is pressure on some policies that the Brazilian government probably does not want to endure, such as the environmental issue, [….] in view of the conflict in Ukraine and the rapprochement between Brazil and China,” explained Holzhacker.
For those skilled in the art, participating in international debates means political costs and pressure for Brazil to change some positions that western countries dislike.
“Brazil has to face these costs and burdens […]”The invitation is a recognition of Brazil’s prestige, but it involves a logic of pressure on some issues that Brazil defends.”
If he attends the summit, President Lula’s main challenge will be maintaining his position of impartiality in the face of the Ukraine conflict.
In the recent joint statement, the G7 pledged to promote “strong sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine.” For Brazil, signing a similar document could undermine its position of impartiality in the Ukraine conflict. (With Sputnik Brazil).