Biden, Brazil's Lula discuss strengthening democracy at White House meeting

By Betul Yuruk

NEW YORK (AA) - US President Joe Biden and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from Brazil met Friday in Washington where they agreed to strengthen democracy after their nations faced threats to their democratic values by right-wing groups.

''As leaders of the two largest democracies in the Americas, President Biden and President Lula pledged to work together to strengthen democratic institutions,'' the White House said in a statement. ''Both leaders noted they continue to reject extremism and violence in politics, condemned hate speech, and reaffirmed their intention to build societal resilience to disinformation, and agreed to work together on these issues.''

Biden and Lula saw government buildings in their countries attacked by far-right groups in the aftermath of presidential elections when former US President Donald Trump called supporters to the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and urged them to march on the federal legislature.

Hundreds of supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the National Congress building last month.

The leaders discussed climate change and the Biden administration announced its intent to work with Congress to provide funds for programs to protect and conserve the Amazon rainforests, according to the statement.

The two also discussed a wide range of global and regional issues of mutual concern deploring Russian aggression against Ukraine and the annexation of parts of its territory.

Biden agreed to travel to Brazil, said the statement.