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Jan. 9 (UPI) — In the wake of recent political unrest in Brazil, U.S. President Joe Biden invited Brazil’s new President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Washington D.C. on Monday. Biden spoke with Lula by phone, reaffirming the United States’ support for Brazil’s democracy as chaos continues to unravel in the streets. Demonstrations by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro have turned destructive in recent days with more than 1,200 people arrested for rioting.
“President Biden condemned the violence and the attack on democratic institutions and on the peaceful transfer of power,” a joint statement from the White House said.
“The two leaders pledged to work closely together on the issues confronting the United States and Brazil, including climate change, economic development, and peace and security.”
Far-right protesters have contested Lula’s election win while Bolsonaro refuses to concede defeat. The former president has repeated unfounded claims that malfunctioning voting machines were the reason for his loss in October’s runoff election.
Lula won 50.9% of the vote to Bolsonaro’s 49.1%. He was sworn into office on Jan. 1.
Biden asked Lula to visit Washington D.C. in early February for “in-depth consultations on a wide-ranging shared agenda.” Lula accepted the invitation, according to the White House.
“I condemn the assault on democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power in Brazil. Brazil’s democratic institutions have our full support and the will of the Brazilian people must not be undermined. I look forward to continuing to work with @LulaOficial,” Biden tweeted.
Biden started the week in Mexico for the North American Leaders Summit. The visit comes after the president’s first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border since being elected.
Biden is expected to discuss immigration and climate change with Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
