The ambassador in Washington highlights that there are occasional differences between Brazil and the United States, but also rapprochements

247 – The Brazilian ambassador to Washington, Maria Luisa Viotti, points out that it is inevitable that Brazil and the United States will not agree on all matters. Despite this, she points out, both countries have a solid base of common values, such as democracy and human rights. Viotti, who is the first woman to head the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, understands that there is much convergence in these basic aspects.

In an interview with Journalist Thiago AmancioFrom Folha, the diplomat understands that there may be frustration in the face of divergent Brazilian positions, such as with regard to the war in Ukraine and China. However, it claims that Brazil maintains a neutral position in the current world order. Viotti points out that it is normal to have disagreements on some issues and stresses the importance of continued dialogue between Brazil and the United States to clarify the reasons behind their respective positions. “Brazil condemned the Russian invasion, because it could not be otherwise. But, at the same time, we made an appeal for peace. President Lula insisted a lot on this idea of ​​negotiations. We Brazilians trust a lot in dialogue. In a peaceful conflict resolution.” “This has caused, in fact, some resentment here, because at this moment the United States is very much involved in supporting Ukraine. What is important is that there is always a dialogue between Brazil and the United States so that the causes on each side of the causes can make their positions clear.”

During Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to the United States, Joe Biden’s government expressed confidence in Brazilian democracy and rejected any kind of anti-democratic interruptions. However, there were disagreements regarding Lula’s statements which are not in line with the positions of the United States, especially regarding the Ukraine-China war. Despite this, Viotti points out that the relationship between the two countries is based on friendship and trust, which was demonstrated during the visit of the Brazilian president.

The ambassador also spoke about the US actions during the Brazilian elections, noting that the events that took place in Brazil, such as the invasion of the headquarters of the three powers, are similar to the attack on the US Capitol. She notes that both Brazil and the United States are interested in strengthening democracy and institutions, and that cooperation to strengthen these aspects will remain a priority on the bilateral agenda.

Viotti understands that Brazil has adopted a neutral stance with regard to countries such as China and Russia, which seek to strike a balance. She highlighted that dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes are two values ​​that Brazilians believe in. The ambassador also comments on the importance of observing the electoral process in the United States, as relations between Brazil and the United States will continue on the basis of relations between countries, regardless of the president’s orientation.

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