The State Department announced U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to Brazil and Argentina, where he will engage in meetings with top leaders and participate in the G20 foreign ministers’ gathering.
Blinken’s itinerary includes stops in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires from February 20 to 23, with Brazil hosting meetings as the current president of the G20.
Discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will focus on the partnership between the U.S. and Brazil regarding workers’ rights and cooperation in transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Expectations are high for substantive conversations on global peace and security, particularly considering Lula’s recent criticism of U.S. ally Israel’s actions in Gaza. Blinken’s recent engagements at the Munich Security Conference and in the Middle East set the stage for dynamic discussions.
In Rio, Blinken will engage with global leaders on initiatives to promote peace and stability, while also addressing international efforts to assist Haiti amid escalating humanitarian crises.
Despite tensions, no formal meeting is scheduled between Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the G20, although Blinken has expressed concerns about Russia’s actions, especially regarding opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s reported death.
The agenda for Blinken’s meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires includes discussions on sustainable economic growth, human rights, democratic governance, critical minerals, and trade and investment enhancements.
