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Brazil rejoins Community of Latin American and Caribbean States – JURIST

The Foreign Ministry of Brazil Thursday confirmed that the country rejoined the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) after a two-year hiatus. Brazil withdrew from CELAC in January 2020 under former President Jair Bolsonaro. This reunion is one of the initial moves towards change by new president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who took office on January 1.CELAC, founded in 2011, describes itself as “a regional intergovernmental mechanism for dialogue and political agreement.” It currently has 33 permanent members. Its current president pro tempore is Alberto Fernández, President of Argentina.The Foreign Ministry of Brazil noted the importance of CELAC and its role in the promotion of health, energy security, food security, environment, and social inclusion. The foreign ministry said:Brazil announced today to the member countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) its decision to rejoin, fully and immediately, all political and technical entities of the mechanism. Brazil’s decision to rejoin CELAC is an essential step in restoring our diplomatic heritage and in repositioning in the international stage.President Lula is to attend the 7th CELAC summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 24 at the invitation of CELAC president Fernández.CELAC congratulated Brazil for its reincorporation and tweeted, “This action represents a fundamental fact for the strengthening of one of the most representative dialogue mechanisms in the region.” Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Santiago Cafiero tweeted “It is time to build a new relationship with Brazil, our main trading partner. The return to the CELAC adds certainty and strengthens the region. Welcome President Lula to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.”