Brazil and Venezuela Move to Fully Restore Diplomatic Ties at COP31

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday, November 11, during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. The meeting marked a new stage in diplomatic relations between Brazil and Venezuela following a period of tensions linked to Venezuela's political crisis.

According to a statement from Brazil's Planalto Palace, both leaders expressed willingness to fully restore bilateral relations and expand political and economic dialogue between Brasilia and Caracas. The main topics included reviewing trade agreements, tariffs on Brazilian automobiles exported to Venezuela, and the possibility of expanding investments in Venezuela's oil sector.

“The leaders expressed their readiness to completely restart bilateral relations at the highest level.”

The presidents also agreed to maintain contact to deepen discussions on new areas of cooperation. This was the first in-person meeting between Lula and Rodriguez since she assumed the interim presidency in January 2026.

The leadership change in Venezuela followed a United States military operation that resulted in the capture of then-President Nicolas Maduro. The Brazilian government condemned the intervention and questioned U.S. action in Venezuelan territory.

Before the government change in Caracas, relations between Brazil and Venezuela were already facing difficulties. In 2024, Brazil did not recognize the announced result of Venezuela's presidential election due to questions about the transparency of the electoral process.

Since then, Brazil had remained without an ambassador in Caracas, although diplomatic channels were not completely interrupted. The Wednesday meeting represents an attempt to expand direct dialogue between the two governments again.

Lula emphasized the economic importance of the relationship between Brazil and Venezuela and mentioned recent visits by Brazilian business delegations to the neighboring country. He also confirmed his determination to strengthen ties with all South American countries during his next presidential term.