Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur are about to make history with the signing of a free trade agreement over the weekend, ending 25 years of negotiations between them.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil January 16, 2026. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur are about to make history with the signing of a free trade agreement over the weekend, ending 25 years of negotiations between them.
Speaking to reporters next to the European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen in Rio de Janeiro, Lula said the deal will bring more opportunities for both sides, along with more trade and investments.
Top EU officials will travel to Paraguay on Saturday to sign the agreement with Mercosur, paving the way for the EU's largest ever trade accord. Lula is not expected to attend the ceremony.
Reporting by Fernando Cardoso
Thousands of Cubans gathered before the U.S. embassy in Havana at daybreak Friday to protest against what they denounced as U.S. aggression in the region following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicola Maduro, a Cuban ally.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe met Venezuela's interim leader in Caracas to discuss cooperation, a U.S. official said on Friday, in the most senior known visit by a U.S. official since the United States toppled President Nicolas Maduro this month.
Cuba received on Thursday the remains of its 32 soldiers killed in combat during the U.S. attack on Venezuela and stunning capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, paying homage to the troops as national "heroes."
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