Lula and Petro Meet in Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Brazil’s President Lula da Silva convened in Bogota this afternoon, April 17, for a significant meeting. The four-hour discussion, held at Palacio de Nariño, the Colombian presidential palace, coincides with Lula’s three-day state visit to Colombia.

During his trip, President Lula also attended the inauguration of the 36th edition of the International Book Fair in Bogota, where Brazil was featured as the guest country.

At their meeting earlier today, the leaders signed three agreements and four memorandums of understanding, which will bolster cooperation on various fronts including combatting hunger, promoting tourism and family agriculture, enhancing information and communication technology, and addressing issues related to migration and human trafficking. This marks a continued effort to strengthen the bilateral ties between Brazil and Colombia.

Regional alliance between Colombia and Brazil

The presidents of both countries have demonstrated in the past an important coincidence on key, sensitive issues on international agendas. Both politicians want to be at the forefront against deforestation and in the fight against climate change. In this regard, just ten days ago, Colombia and Brazil stood out worldwide for the reduction of Amazon deforestation by 2023. In addition, both presidents have a very similar vision on controversial international issues, such as Venezuela and the conflict in the Middle East.

Lula, as president of the G20 in 2024, strives to consolidate his global influence. In 2025, Brazil will take on a crucial role by hosting the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), highlighting its commitment to climate action. Meanwhile, the city of Cali in Colombia will become the epicenter of COP16 starting in October of this year, focusing specifically on biodiversity preservation.

These important meetings represent outstanding opportunities to address pressing global environmental issues and promote international cooperation in the search for sustainable solutions. Lula and other leaders are called upon to play prominent roles in these events, demonstrating leadership and commitment to environmental protection and the future of the planet.

Differences in oil exploitation

The issue of oil exploitation is perhaps the issue that separates Lula and Petro the most. While Colombia has announced its interest in ceasing new oil exploration and moving decisively towards a decarbonized economy, Brazil, another oil power, has been more reticent.

At COP28, Petro joined the global call to end fossil fuels. On the other hand, while Lula’s government continues to promote oil exploration. In August 2023, disagreements on the issue led the Amazon Summit, held in Belém, to close without a joint declaration regarding hydrocarbon exploitation.

On this point, however, Brazil and Colombia agree in proposing compensation from developed countries for efforts to preserve natural areas in developing countries.

Agreements at today’s meeting in Bogota

At today’s meeting in Bogota, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Brazil’s President Lula da Silva signed a total of seven documents to enhance bilateral cooperation. The agreements and memorandums span several areas, including cartography, the battle against hunger, and the fight against human trafficking.

Among the key documents signed were a technical cooperation agreement on cartographic issues, a basic cooperation agreement aimed at combating hunger through public food purchases, and a memorandum of understanding for the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and assistance of victims of human trafficking, as well as the transfer of knowledge in these areas. This suite of agreements underscores the deepening partnership between Colombia and Brazil.

Also agreed was an understanding of cooperation on issues related to the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, migrants, the elderly, people with disabilities, and street people; a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Communications of Brazil and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies of Colombia; a memorandum of understanding on tourism; and an agreement to promote family farming.

The mystery of President Petro’s “cap”

At today’s official act of the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro was again seen wearing a cap that covered the entirety of his head. In recent weeks, this look of the head of state has been recurrent. He already appeared with it in his meeting with Nicolas Maduro, last week in Caracas, in the last council of ministers, a meeting with indigenous leaders, and also during the act of possession of a magistrate of the Council of State.

It is usual for Petro to wear a cap or hat in acts in the region or outdoors, but until now he had not been seen wearing it in closed spaces. There has been much speculation about the reasons for this, although no information has been provided by the Presidency.

What has been noticed is that the president’s hair is noticeably shorter than usual and that he has shaved his sideburns. It is not known whether it is a question of health or aesthetics, but the rumor mill has started up again, although for the time being without foundation.