The Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva stated today that he discussed with her China and United Arab Emirates joint mediation in war between Russia and Ukraineaccusing the US and Europe of prolonging the conflict.

Lula made the remarks during a press conference in Abu Dhabi after the end of official visits to the Emirates and China, hoping that the two countries and others would join a “G20 policy” to try to end the war that has broken out. since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The war was caused by “decisions taken by two countries”, the Brazilian president estimated.

“President Putin is not taking any initiative to stop the war. (President Volodymyr) Zelensky of Ukraine is not taking any initiative to stop the war,” said Lula, speaking through an official translator.

“Europe and the United States continue to contribute to the continuation of the war. While they have to sit around the table and say “Enough”.

In China, the Brazilian president had accused Washington of “encouraging war” in Ukraine.

Lula said he proposed to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping to create a group of countries to act as mediators.

“The G20 was formed to fix the (global) economy that was in crisis,” Lula said. “Now, it is important to create another type of G20 to put an end to this war and establish peace. It is my intention and I believe we will succeed.”

“Yesterday I spoke with the sheikh about the war. I have spoken to Xi Jinping about the war. And I believe we are meeting a group of people who would rather talk about peace than war. And so I believe we will succeed.”

Lula also said that he has already discussed his initiative with US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of South American countries.

Lula, who is expected to return to Brazil today, said his delegation had signed $10 billion worth of deals in China.

Biofuels

Lula arrived in the Emirates yesterday after a two-day visit to China, where the Brazilian leader, who returned to power after two terms between 2003 and 2010, said Brazil was “returning” to the international stage and hoped to play a mediating role in the war. launched by Russia against Ukraine.

Unlike many Western powers, China and Brazil have never imposed economic sanctions on Russia over the war, and both claim a mediating role.

The Emirates have also adopted a neutral position in the conflict and have attracted large numbers of Russian businessmen who have fled to escape the impact of Western sanctions, particularly in Dubai, a major financial hub.

The wealthy Gulf country is Brazil’s second largest trading partner in the Middle East, according to the official WAM news agency.

Trade between the two countries, excluding oil products, is expected to exceed $4 billion in 2022, a 32% increase over the previous year.

Yesterday they signed a series of agreements in the field of the fight against climate change and biofuels.

The two countries said in a joint statement that the two leaders discussed issues such as trade, technology, defense, aviation and food security.

The agreements announced include cooperation in the fight against climate change and how the Emirati-controlled Mataripe refinery in northeastern Brazil will invest $2.5 billion in a biofuels project in the region.

The UAE is expected to host the UN climate summit in Dubai in December, and Brazil is a candidate to host it in 2025.