Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has set clear conditions for his country’s possible participation in U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly launched “Board of Peace,” insisting it be strictly focused on the situation in Gaza and include Palestinian representation.
The demand was made during a phone call on Monday between the two leaders, in which they also agreed to meet in Washington for further discussions, according to a statement from the Brazilian presidency.
Lula, who was invited to join Trump’s controversial global conflict-resolution initiative, proposed that the body “be limited to the issue of Gaza and include a seat for Palestine,” reflecting concerns that the Board’s scope could extend beyond its original remit.
The Brazilian president also called for broader institutional reform, urging “comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the expansion of the permanent members of the Security Council.”
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Last Friday, Lula had openly criticised Trump, accusing him of seeking to establish “a new UN where only he is the owner” through the proposed Board of Peace.
Although initially introduced as a mechanism to support the reconstruction of Gaza following conflict, the board’s founding charter has raised scepticism among international allies, who worry that its authority could rival that of the United Nations or exceed the original mandate.
Traditional U.S. allies such as France and Britain have also expressed reservations about the initiative’s structure and objectives.
The phone discussion between Lula and Trump took place amid a period of improving bilateral relations after months of diplomatic tension. Since their first official meeting in October, follow-up contacts have led to tangible shifts in economic and trade ties, including the U.S. lifting hefty tariffs on Brazilian exports and removing sanctions on a senior Brazilian judge.
During their call, the two leaders also discussed regional issues, including Venezuela, with Lula emphasising the need for “peace and stability in the region.”
According to the Brazilian presidency, the leaders agreed that Lula would visit Washington after his upcoming trips to India and South Korea in February, with the exact date to be finalised “soon.”
Lula has maintained active diplomatic engagement on the world stage in recent days, holding separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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