Lula meets with the president of the Emirates and discusses progress in the Mercosur-UAE agreement

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) met this Tuesday with the president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital. During the meeting, the two heads of state reaffirmed their willingness to accelerate negotiations for an agreement between Mercosur and the United Arab Emirates.

The proposal, according to Palácio do Planalto, is to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a mechanism aimed at reducing tariffs, encouraging investments and expanding trade flow between the parties.

The meeting was part of Lula’s working visit to the Emirates, but was not previously on the official agenda. The Brazilian president took advantage of a supply stop, on his return to Brazil, to hold the meeting.

Bilateral cooperation

In addition to trade negotiations, the presidents discussed deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of trade and investment.

Lula also highlighted the relevance of the UAE’s participation in the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, an initiative presented during the UN Climate Conference (COP-30), held in Belém, in November last year. The Brazilian president also invited Mohammed bin Zayed to visit Brazil in 2026.

According to information from Planalto, the UAE leader highlighted that the strategic partnership built over more than five decades between the two countries continues to strengthen. He stated that Brazil and the UAE have advanced a broad cooperation agenda, aligned with common priorities and long-term objectives.

The two presidents also exchanged analyzes on regional and international issues and discussed joint initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and other regions.

Brazil and the United Arab Emirates have maintained trade and diplomatic relations for around 50 years.

Mercosur–Emirates negotiations

While working to conclude the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, the South American bloc is also internally discussing the formalization of a treaty with the United Arab Emirates.

The proposal under debate envisages the creation of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership, with tariff reduction, investment facilitation and expansion of commercial exchange between Mercosur and the Gulf country. Brazil has already expressed support for progress in negotiations.

In November last year, the fourth round of negotiations between the parties was held. Negotiations for a free trade agreement began in July 2024.

*With information from G1