Facing increasing global tensions, Brazilian President Lula da Silva is emphasizing a “strategic partnership” with Germany as a means to strengthen multilateralism. In a contribution to the “Tagesspiegel” and “Handelsblatt” (Saturday edition), da Silva stated his belief that multilateralism is indispensable, arguing that it is the only way to meet the global demands for peace, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Brazil is participating as a partner nation in the Hannover Messe, which is scheduled to begin this weekend. Lula da Silva mentioned accepting an invitation from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to deepen the partnership between the two countries. He noted that amid rising global instability, the nations are focusing on dialogue and cooperation to develop concrete solutions for the major challenges of our time.
According to da Silva, the world is currently experiencing “a particularly critical moment in world politics”. He pointed out the rise of unilateralism and the increasing assertion of the strongest powers. Furthermore, he highlighted the immense spending on military expenditures, which have reached a new record of approximately 2.7 trillion US dollars-an amount barely enough to end world hunger.
Additionally, trade disputes threaten to disrupt the fabric of global commerce and deepen inequalities. Regarding this, the Brazilian President emphasized the importance of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American economic organization Mercosur, which was signed in January and is slated for provisional application on May 1, 2026.
The Brazilian President explained that this agreement expands market access, establishes clear and predictable rules, and thus creates room for increasing investments, exports, and supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic. He added that its true success will be measured by how quickly its benefits reach factories, agriculture, supermarket shelves, and citizens’ wallets, proving that both sides can benefit from multilateral solutions.
This year marks the return of Brazil as a partner nation for the Hannover Messe for the first time in over forty years, with 140 companies being represented. Brazilian President Lula da Silva is set to open the industrial trade show on Sunday alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU).
