Overview
- The leaders met on November 22 in Johannesburg for their first conversation since Merz’s controversial comments about Belém.
- Lula and Merz agreed to deepen commercial, social, cultural and technological cooperation, according to a Planalto readout.
- Merz reaffirmed support for the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, with official notes citing a €1 billion investment mentioned during the meeting.
- Lula confirmed he will open the Hannover industrial technology fair in April 2026 and invited Merz for a state visit to Brazil.
- Merz struck a conciliatory tone on social media, promising to explore Belém’s culture on a future trip, and the meeting was reported by dpa sources to have lasted about 40 minutes.