President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, this Wednesday (28) received a visit from the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, at the Palácio do Planalto. The two spoke about the environmental, defense and trade and investment agendas between the two countries.

According to the Presidency of the Republic, Lula and Joly agreed on the need to organize a business mission with the aim of expanding the potential of trade and investment relations between Brazil and Canada.

In 2022, trade between Brazil and Canada reached US$10.56 billion, an increase of 40.9% compared to 2021, with Brazil’s surplus amounting to US$232.1 million. Among the main products exported to Canada last year was gold; aluminum; sugar; semi-finished products, iron and steel; industrial products and coffee. Imports from Canada include chemical fertilizers, about 72% of the total; industrial products; aircraft and chemicals.

In the conversation, the President and Chancellor also discussed the environmental agenda, the Amazon Summit and the commitments made at the UN climate conference (COP) regarding the contribution of rich countries to environmental conservation in countries with extensive forests, as well as the contribution of countries rich countries towards environmental conservation. possible expansion of Canadian investment in the renewable energy sector in Brazil.

“The Minister highlighted the similar characteristics between Brazil and Canada, both are large food and energy producers, have extensive forests and are interested in improving the living conditions of indigenous peoples,” said the Presidency.

Lula and Joly also spoke about Haiti and the need to unite efforts from countries to strengthen security and institutions in the Caribbean country.

During the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed to President Lula the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to visit Canada. The Brazilian president returned the invitation to Trudeau.

Mélanie Joly is in the country to attend the fourth meeting of the Brazil-Canada Strategic Partnership Dialogue, which is the main cooperation mechanism between the countries. On Tuesday (27), he was at the Itamaraty Palace, meeting with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and signing a broad cooperation agreement in the field of defense.

There is still a process of dialogue and bilateral cooperation in the field of education; science, technology and innovation; military affairs and energy and mining.