Ahead of the G20 Summit in Brazil, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met at the Forte de Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro to solidify their nations’ historic partnership. Brazil’s government emphasized the importance of the relationship in a statement, calling Italy “one of Brazil’s main European trading partners.” A photo of the leaders shaking hands underscored the symbolic value of the meeting.
In a statement from Palazzo Chigi, Meloni congratulated Lula on Brazil’s leadership and praised the synergy between the Italian G7 and Brazilian G20 presidencies. Key shared priorities include sustainable development, energy transition, and food security. On the bilateral front, the leaders expressed a mutual commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in economic and trade sectors. Italy’s historic community in Brazil, with 800,000 citizens and 30 million descendants, remains a vital link in fostering collaboration.
The talks highlighted opportunities in energy and infrastructure development, with Meloni announcing a €40 billion investment plan by Italian companies in Brazil. Both leaders agreed on the need for updated economic partnership agreements and discussed finalizing a new Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2025–2030. The plan is expected to guide relations for the next five years, focusing on key areas of mutual interest.
President Lula outlined Brazil’s priorities for its G20 presidency and invited Meloni to return for a business summit to further boost bilateral cooperation. Lula also emphasized the importance of Italy’s contribution to Brazil’s economic and cultural fabric, reinforcing the potential for even stronger ties in the future.
