Biden, Lula focus on democracy, climate in WH visit

President Joe Biden welcomed Brazilian President Lula da Silva to the White House on Friday. The leaders discussed efforts to safeguard democracy and climate change, including efforts to stem deforestation of the Amazon. During his 2020 run for the White House, Biden proposed working with global partners to create a $20 billion fund that would encourage Brazil to change its approach to the Amazon.

As part of these efforts, the United States announced its intent to work with Congress to provide funds for programs to protect and conserve the Brazilian Amazon, including initial support for the Amazon Fund, and to leverage investments in this critical region. The leaders also expressed their determination to fight hunger and poverty, enhance global food security, foster trade and remove barriers, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen international peace and security.