Brazil has been collaborating with other countries to ensure the publication of a final declaration at the G20 summit—the group that includes 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union—scheduled for this weekend in South Africa. The absence of the United States from the meeting threatens the release of the document. Alongside the negotiations, leaders are also drafting a specific communiqué on critical minerals, a topic seen as a potential bargaining chip in discussions to end the tariff package imposed by Washington.
South Africa faces challenge of maintaining momentum in G20 leadership
The debate on critical minerals is considered a priority under the South African presidency. Discussions on the issue are expected to mainly take place on Sunday (23), with a dedicated session scheduled. It will cover principles such as mineral extraction and processing, deemed crucial for developing countries.
“It is a very important issue for a G20 declaration because it aligns with the positions, especially among developing nations, that want to carry out mineral processing,” said Ambassador Philip Fox-Drummond Gough, Brazil’s secretary for economic and financial affairs. According to him, this will be the first time the summit issues a dedicated document on the subject.
Critical minerals are among the options on the table in negotiations between the Brazilian and U.S. governments amid the tariff dispute. In recent remarks, President Lula has already signaled he is willing to discuss the exploration of critical minerals and rare earths, but stresses that Brazil is not prepared to become a mere “exporter of minerals.” Lula said there are “no limits” to the negotiation agenda as long as it benefits both countries.
Lula will participate in the discussions and attend the G20 meetings. The president departs for South Africa this Thursday (20) for commitments scheduled on Saturday (22) and Sunday.
On Saturday, for example, he is scheduled to attend a session on sustainable economic growth. The agenda covers debates on rural issues, economic development, and international trade, among other topics. The same day, he will participate in a meeting on disaster risk reduction, climate change, a just energy transition, food systems, and additional themes. On the sidelines of the summit, Lula is also expected to hold bilateral meetings, as usual.
South Africa’s motto for its G20 presidency is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” The South African presidency took over from Brazil’s and started on December 1, 2024. Its objectives include discussing and promoting sustainable development, addressing inequalities, and reforming the global financial system.
Due to the U.S. absence, the country led by Donald Trump opposes—with support from other leaders—the issuance of a G20 declaration, arguing that not all members will be present at the meeting. Brazil’s position, however, is “firm” in favor of releasing the final document.
“Brazil’s position is that we must have a declaration, and so we are discussing this with other countries. The position of many of these countries is still not finalized,” the ambassador said.
In an effort to secure the declaration, the assessment is that the final communiqué should avoid delving into sensitive issues in global diplomacy, such as wars or the U.S. tariff package. The strategy is that doing so will facilitate consensus. Despite that, diplomats admit that the document may still contain references to conflicts. Regarding the tariff dispute, although it is not expected to be mentioned directly, it is likely to remain in the background as a political context.
After the G20 summit, Lula will proceed to Mozambique. The purpose of the state visit is to strengthen relations between Brazil and the country.
Ambassador Luiza Ribeiro Lopes da Silva, head of multilateral technical cooperation at the Foreign Ministry, says the relationship between the two countries is strong, and Mozambique shares many similarities with Brazil. According to her, the African nation also aligns with Brazil on international goals.
From the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s viewpoint, the visit is likely to feature a political element, such as developing a joint work plan. On Monday (24), Lula will also participate in a business forum expected to host between 150 and 200 Brazilian and Mozambican business leaders. Additionally, the president will be awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) by Maputo Pedagogical University.
1 de 1 Delegates arrive for the opening plenary session of the G20 Finance and Central Bank Representatives Meeting in Cape Town — Foto: Nic Bothma/Reuters Delegates arrive for the opening plenary session of the G20 Finance and Central Bank Representatives Meeting in Cape Town — Foto: Nic Bothma/Reuters
This article was translated from Valor Econômico using an artificial intelligence tool under the supervision of the Valor International editorial team to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to our editorial standards. Read our Editorial Principles.
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