Lula in New York: Meeting with NY Mayor and Speech on Sovereignty

Next Monday, Lula will arrive at the residence of Ambassador Sérgio Danese, where he usually stays during the UN General Assembly, to meet with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The meeting, which can be seen as a demonstration of support for progressive leaders, will be followed by a speech from the president at the opening of the General Debate, where he will advocate for sovereignty, multilateralism, and non-interference in elections.

Lula's Agenda at the UN

• Sunday (20): arrival in New York and speech at the UN podium
• Monday (21): bilateral meeting with Mamdani at the ambassador's residence
• Tuesday (22): opening of the 81st session of the General Assembly and general debate with Secretary-General António Guterres

Meeting with the Mayor of New York

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, according to Folha de S.Paulo, requested the meeting, and Lula's team evaluated the pros and cons. The invitation was initially declined, but the proposal was re-evaluated after Mamdani's advisors suggested that Lula receive him. The meeting could generate friction with Donald Trump, but the Brazilian government considers the rapprochement a political gain, given that Lula is one of the few left-wing leaders to govern a country in Latin America.

Speech on Sovereignty and Multilateralism

In his opening speech, Lula is expected to emphasize the defense of sovereignty, the importance of multilateralism, and the need for non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, in reference to the Brazilian electoral context and tensions with Washington. Itamaraty indicated that the president may also address the fight against criminal factions, a topic of interest to Trump.

Relationship with the United States

The relationship between Brazil and the US is marked by 37.5% tariffs on Brazilian products and the classification of criminal factions as terrorist organizations. The president is also expected to mention the UN reform initiative and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, projects in which Brazil has been a protagonist.

Prospect of Diplomatic Friction

The meeting with Mamdani could be interpreted by the White House as a provocation, but the White House itself has had interactions with the mayor, and Trump himself met with Mamdani in 2024. The Brazilian government maintains the position that there is no reason to fear provocation, as Lula frequently receives requests for bilateral meetings with other leaders.

Conclusion

With a tight schedule and the issues at stake, Lula's visit to New York represents a moment of reaffirmation of Brazilian foreign policy in defense of multilateralism, sovereignty, and non-interference in elections, while remaining attentive to possible friction with the Trump administration.

With information from Folha de S.Paulo, Brasil 247, CNN Brasil.