Overview
- Brazil formally notified Argentina that it will cease representing its interests in Caracas, ending custodial duties over the embassy and residence assumed in August 2024 after Argentine diplomats were expelled.
- The move was ordered by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira directing Brazil’s ambassador in Buenos Aires to convey the decision to Argentine counterpart Pablo Quirno.
- Brasília’s decision followed Javier Milei’s post about the U.S. operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, which included images of Lula and closed with a photo of Lula embracing Maduro.
- Argentina turned to Italy to assume protection of its interests in Venezuela, a change that requires acceptance by Caracas and a technical transition before it takes effect.
- The rupture is seen as a sharp deterioration in Argentina–Brazil ties with potential repercussions for Mercosur diplomacy and energy cooperation, while Buenos Aires weighs sending its own diplomats back to Caracas.