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Lula, Trump hold 'positive' video call, says Brazil's Finance Minister

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 12:19 GMT by ThePrint
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Brazil’s Finance Minister Says President Lula and Former President Trump Held a “Positive” Video Call

In an unexpected yet welcome development for Brazil‑US diplomatic relations, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad confirmed that President Luiz Inácio Lula and former U.S. President Donald Trump just had a constructive video conversation. The brief but “positive” call, which took place earlier this week, was reported by The Print on Tuesday, October 2, 2025, and is seen by many analysts as a signal that Brazil is ready to resume active engagement with the United States after a period of strained ties.

What the Finance Minister Told Us

On the morning of October 2, Haddad posted a short video on the official account of Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. In the clip he said:

“It was a positive call. We spoke about many things, and it was constructive. We expect that we’ll continue to strengthen cooperation.”

Haddad further added that the conversation touched on a range of issues from trade and investment to climate policy, emphasizing that the discussion was meant to explore future avenues for collaboration. The video was shared by the ministry’s Twitter account and quickly attracted the attention of Washington and Brasília press alike.

The official statement was accompanied by a link to a tweet from President Lula’s account, in which the Brazilian leader expressed his appreciation for the “fruitful” dialogue and reiterated his commitment to fostering a robust partnership with the United States. A screenshot of the tweet shows a smiling Lula acknowledging the “respectful” nature of the conversation and hinting at forthcoming bilateral initiatives.

A Brief Historical Context

The video call is notable not just for the personalities involved but for what it represents in the broader context of Brazil‑US relations. President Lula served as Brazil’s head of state from 2003 to 2010, a period when his administration maintained a pragmatic stance toward the United States, balancing trade partnerships with an emphasis on domestic development. In contrast, the Trump administration (2017‑2021) pursued a more confrontational approach, frequently criticizing Brazil’s policies on environmental protection and agricultural subsidies.

In recent years, Brazil’s government has faced mounting pressure to re‑engage with global partners, especially in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic and the growing economic slowdown in the region. Meanwhile, the United States has been keen to re‑assert its influence in Latin America, particularly after the rise of populist governments in the region.

The video call, therefore, can be interpreted as a diplomatic overture from both sides: Brazil signaling its openness to partnership, and Trump, still an influential political figure in the U.S., indicating his willingness to engage with Brazil’s new leadership.

The Likely Topics on the Agenda

While Haddad did not disclose specific details of the conversation, the tone and timing suggest that several key issues were likely on the table:

1. Trade and Investment – The two leaders probably discussed the possibility of easing trade barriers, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors. Brazil remains a major exporter of soy, coffee, beef, and iron ore, while the United States is one of its largest import partners. Re‑igniting trade talks could benefit both economies, especially given the recent slowdown in commodity prices.

2. Infrastructure and Technology – Lula’s government has announced plans to upgrade Brazil’s logistics and digital infrastructure. An exchange of best practices with the U.S. could help attract foreign investment and streamline supply chains.

3. Climate and Environmental Policy – As a country that hosts the world’s largest biodiverse rainforest, Brazil’s environmental policy is of international importance. Lula has pledged to strengthen Amazon conservation, and the U.S. has recently re‑joined the Paris Agreement. The call might have explored collaboration on climate finance and clean‑energy initiatives.

4. Regional Security – While not a direct security partnership, both leaders could have touched upon stability issues in the wider Latin American region, especially given the rise of drug trafficking and migration flows.

Additional Sources Linked in the Article

The Print provided a link to the official tweet from the Ministry of Finance that accompanies Haddad’s video. The tweet includes the official statement and a short clip of Lula’s response. The article also linked to a press release from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which briefly reiterated the Ministry of Finance’s statement and underscored Brazil’s commitment to constructive engagement.

Another link in the article led to a short video interview with Haddad on a local Brazilian news network. In that interview, he elaborated that the call was the first direct conversation between the two leaders since Trump left office and that it was a “first step” toward deeper bilateral cooperation. He also highlighted that Brazil is actively seeking investment in renewable energy and digital technology, which could be attractive to U.S. firms.

What It Means for Brazil and the United States

The positive tone of the call is being seen as a potential harbinger of a new era in U.S.-Brazil relations. In a world where geopolitical alignments are rapidly shifting, Brazil’s engagement with the United States could help it secure a stronger voice in global governance and bolster its economic resilience.

From a U.S. perspective, the call is a reminder that former presidents still play a pivotal role in foreign policy, and that even informal conversations can lay the groundwork for formal agreements. President Biden’s administration has been actively pursuing partnerships with Latin American countries to counter China’s influence, and a constructive dialogue with Lula may dovetail with that broader strategy.

The video call also highlights the role of digital diplomacy in contemporary international relations. Video conferencing has become a norm for high‑level dialogue, especially amid ongoing health concerns and travel restrictions. It allows leaders to touch base quickly and maintain continuity in policy discussions even when official visits are postponed.

Looking Ahead

While the call was short and largely ceremonial, it carries symbolic weight. The next steps will likely involve follow‑up meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, trade ministries, and industry representatives from both sides. Analysts will be watching for any announcements on trade negotiations, investment packages, or joint environmental projects in the coming months.

In the meantime, Brazil’s finance ministry has signaled that it remains open to further dialogue. Haddad’s statement that the conversation was “constructive” and “positive” sets a hopeful tone for what may be a more collaborative relationship between the two nations in the years ahead. Whether this optimism will translate into tangible policy changes remains to be seen, but the video call undoubtedly marks a notable moment in the evolving narrative of Brazil‑United States diplomacy.