Lula Meets Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez at COP31 Summit
Brazilian leader discusses bilateral ties and energy cooperation with Venezuela's interim head in Antalya.
1Diplomatic Meeting in Antalya
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez on Wednesday, January 11, 2026. The bilateral discussion occurred in Antalya, Turkey, during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference. This marks their first face-to-face interaction since Rodríguez assumed office following Nicolás Maduro's removal by US forces.
2Restoring Bilateral Relations
The Palácio do Planalto confirmed that both leaders expressed a strong desire to fully restore high-level diplomatic relations. This meeting follows previous telephone conversations between the two. The discussion focused on normalizing ties, which had been strained following the military intervention that led to the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
3Trade and Energy Focus
The leaders addressed specific economic issues, including tariffs imposed by Venezuela on Brazilian automobile exports. Furthermore, Lula explored potential investments within the Venezuelan oil sector. To advance these energy discussions, the Brazilian president scheduled an official visit to Caracas for Alexandre Silveira, the Minister of Mines and Energy, in the future.
4Lula's Stance on Sovereignty
Lula has publicly condemned the United States military operation that captured Maduro, labeling the foreign intervention a dangerous precedent that violates regional sovereignty. Despite his past alliance with Maduro, Lula has distanced himself in recent years, consistently advocating for new elections to strengthen the democratic process within the neighboring South American nation.
5Humanitarian and Political Context
Beyond political dialogue, Brazil has maintained practical engagement with Venezuela. Earlier this year, the Brazilian government provided essential aid, including medical professionals, firefighters, and supplies, to assist areas devastated by severe earthquakes. Meanwhile, Rodríguez has announced plans for a public consultation to initiate the process of calling for new national elections.
6Climate Leadership at COP31
Lula arrived at COP31 as a central figure in global climate diplomacy. During his opening address, he demanded that wealthy nations fulfill their environmental commitments. He criticized the declining priority of climate agendas in international organizations, emphasizing that the current crisis is deeply intertwined with global social and economic inequalities.
7Common but Differentiated Responsibilities
Reiterating a core diplomatic principle, Lula highlighted 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' arguing that developed nations bear a greater burden in addressing climate change. He advocated for increased financial resources for Africa, noting that the upcoming COP in Ethiopia will serve as a critical opportunity to expand funding for the continent's environmental needs.
8Logistical Challenges and Diplomacy
Due to severe hoarseness, Lula delegated the reading of his second speech regarding forest preservation to Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco. Despite these health constraints, the president maintained a busy schedule, including a separate bilateral meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, further cementing his active role in international climate negotiations.