“Brazil’s government sees this month’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as an ideal venue for the talks,” the officials said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
“The Asean gathering, which will take place in Malaysia starting Oct 26, would provide an opportunity for the squabbling leaders to meet in a neutral location rather than at the White House or Brasilia,” one of the officials said.
A White House official confirmed that conversations about a potential in-person meeting are ongoing.
US-Brazil relations have deteriorated sharply in recent months after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on many Brazilian goods and sanctions on a Supreme Court judge in an effort to stop the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted on coup attempt charges in September.
However, signs of a potential thaw emerged after a seconds-long encounter at the UN General Assembly in New York last week, when Trump said he and Lula had “good chemistry” and had discussed a meeting to talk over their differences.
Trump has yet to officially confirm his attendance at the Asean summit, but is widely expected to visit Malaysia as part of an Asia trip that would also include stops in Japan and South Korea.
Lula will head to Kuala Lumpur after a state visit to Indonesia, part of his efforts to deepen trade ties with the region.
A meeting with Trump is a top priority for Lula, according to two officials familiar with the situation.
“However, the Brazilian leader is also focused on ensuring the meeting is effective, and wants to make sure he has enough data and information to present to Trump before scheduling an encounter,” one of the officials said.
Brazil foreign affairs minister Mauro Vieira said yesterday that he had spoken to Trump aides about a possible meeting, and suggested that it could take place in a third country.
“It can be a phone call, a video call, as well as a meeting at a specific moment when both are present in the same international event,” Vieira said during an appearance in Congress, adding that there are currently no arrangements for Trump to visit Brazil or for a Lula trip to Washington.