What is ASEAN and why Lula and Trump should meet in Malaysia

Trump is interested in meeting with Lula, says White House official Advisors to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump consider a meeting between the two leaders highly likely during the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a bloc that brings together countries in the region and serves as a forum for political and economic cooperation. Lula and Trump are at the same event, where they participate in parallel meetings with other world leaders. What is Asean? Created in 1967, ASEAN is today one of the main hubs for dialogue and trade in Asia, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The group seeks to promote economic growth, regional stability and integration among its members, but also functions as a stage for negotiations with external powers. With China’s expansion, Trump’s presence reinforces the US interest in regaining strategic space in the region. Meanwhile, Brazil is trying to get closer to Asia to expand exports and open new markets. For the Brazilian government, participating in the ASEAN summit is a way of diversifying commercial partnerships and strengthening the country’s image as a global interlocutor. Lula’s agenda includes meetings with businesspeople and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. The US government sees the meeting as an opportunity for commercial and diplomatic negotiations, especially in the context of the new round of talks between China and the US that will also take place in Malaysia. Meeting between Brazil and the USA Between Brazil and the United States, there is an expectation that the possible meeting will serve to reorganize the bilateral relationship, which has been shaken since the announcement of American tariffs on Brazilian products. Lula must insist on the repeal of tariffs and the resumption of economic dialogue. The assessment at Planalto is that a direct conversation can “take the relationship to another level” and open space for new agreements. In addition to commercial issues, the meeting may touch on delicate geopolitical issues. Amid tensions between the US and Venezuela, Lula must reiterate his defense of a “zone of peace” in South America, rejecting any attempt at military intervention in the region. The expectation is that the tone of the dialogue will be pragmatic and diplomatic, with a focus on economic results and rebuilding trust between the two governments.

Source link