5.77°C Vancouver 5.77°C Vancouver
Jan 9, 2026 5:57 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted an invitation to visit Brazil in April, following a phone call between the two leaders on Thursday. Lula made the comments in a social media post summarizing the discussion, highlighting shared views on Venezuela and international governance reform.
According to Lula, both leaders criticized recent actions by the United States in Venezuela and agreed on the need to strengthen global institutions. The Brazilian president has been an outspoken advocate for reforms to bodies such as the United Nations and has urged greater respect for national sovereignty in resolving regional conflicts.
A separate readout from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Carney and Lula discussed the situation in Venezuela, with both leaders committing to a Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people. The PMO statement emphasized the importance of international law and sovereignty but did not directly reference the United States’ detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
The federal government’s summary of the call did not confirm any plans for a Canada–Brazil visit in April. The Canadian Press has contacted the Prime Minister’s Office for clarification on Lula’s remarks but has not yet received a response.
Canada has previously supported diplomatic efforts in Latin America aimed at reducing political instability and humanitarian pressures, particularly as regional crises continue to affect migration patterns and global energy markets.
