Brazil president calls for stronger ties and shared climate leadership with PNG

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for a deeper and more strategic relationship between Brazil and Papua New Guinea, describing both nations as “forest-rich countries with shared responsibilities in global climate leadership.”

President Lula made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Belém on the sidelines of COP30, which Brazil is hosting for the first time in the Amazon region.

President Lula warmly welcomed Prime Minister Marape and his delegation, saying Brazil viewed Papua New Guinea as a natural partner in advancing forest protection, renewable energy, and fair trade among developing nations.

He said both countries were “guardians of the planet’s lungs,” emphasising the importance of cooperation on sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and energy transition.

“We live in forests — our people depend on them, and our planet depends on them. Without forests, there is no life and no future for our children,” President Lula said. “Brazil and Papua New Guinea must walk together as leaders of the Global South to show that it is possible to grow economies while protecting nature.”

The Brazilian leader proposed opening a Brazilian embassy in Port Moresby to strengthen diplomatic engagement, trade, and technical cooperation. He said this would pave the way for collaboration in agriculture, renewable energy, and scientific research.

“It is time we expand our ties beyond climate discussions,” Lula said. “We can deepen cooperation in trade, health, education, and energy. Brazil is ready to work with Papua New Guinea on new opportunities that will benefit both our peoples.”

President Lula also suggested sending his Minister of Economy to Papua New Guinea for future consultations with PNG’s economic team, signalling Brazil’s intention to build a comprehensive partnership in energy, agribusiness, and technology.

Highlighting Brazil’s progress in renewable energy, President Lula said 87% of Brazil’s electricity matrix is generated from renewable sources, including hydropower, biofuels, and solar energy. Brazil, he noted, is the world’s second-largest producer of ethanol and a leader in clean energy technology through its state-owned company, Petrobras.

“Brazil has learned to use its oil wealth to finance the energy transition,” he said. “Our goal is to turn Petrobras into a full energy company investing in alternative sources — not just fossil fuels.”

He said Brazil is eager to share expertise with Papua New Guinea in developing hydropower, gas, and green energy solutions to help both nations meet their emission reduction targets.

In a passionate appeal for global solidarity, President Lula spoke about Brazil’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Obesity, launched earlier this year with more than 50 countries. He invited Papua New Guinea to join the alliance, stressing that ending hunger and malnutrition must be central to global cooperation.

“The world spends trillions on weapons while millions go hungry,” Lula said. “We must redirect those resources to food, education, and health — to build a fairer, more humane world.”

President Lula concluded by praising Papua New Guinea’s leadership under Prime Minister
Marape and said Brazil sees PNG as a bridge between the Pacific and Latin America — two regions rich in natural resources and united by common struggles for equality and climate justice.

“Papua New Guinea is part of the great family of developing nations that share the same dreams,” he said. “Together we can transform our forests, our rivers, and our energy into hope for the planet.”

He said Brazil’s doors remain open for continued dialogue and cooperation and looked forward to visiting Port Moresby in the future as part of Brazil’s broader engagement with the Pacific.