PT speaks of a “serious threat to international security”, while the South African president calls for a “peaceful resolution”
The president (PT) and the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa (African National Congress, center-left), discussed this Monday (9 March 2026), at Palácio do Planalto, the escalation of the war in the Middle East. The 2 leaders condemn the conflict and defend a diplomatic solution.
Lula said that the conflict “represents a serious threat to international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian and economic impacts.” He declared that war produces “deleterious effects on energy chains, inputs and food” and which are “the most vulnerable, especially women and children, who suffer the most severe impact of these crises.”
Regarding oil, the PT member said that prices should rise in all countries in the world.
O brent US$ 100 per barrel and accumulated an increase of 56% in 1 month, pressured by the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. During the early hours of this Monday (March 9), futures contracts rose 25%, with the brent reaching US$ 116.71 — the highest level since mid-2022. One of the main points of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the oil transported by ships in the world passes, and which was blocked by Iran.
Ramaphosa said countries condemn the war and called on all parties for an immediate ceasefire. He stated that conflicts must be resolved through negotiation: “We are experiencing a resurgence of conflicts and reiterate a call for the peaceful resolution of disputes. We condemn the loss of life, particularly civilian life, and we condemn the loss of vital infrastructure in this part of the world.”.
SIGNED AGREEMENTS
2 memorandums were signed:
- cooperation in tourism, focusing on training and technical assistance;
- understanding between ApexBrasil and the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, focused on trade and sustainable investments.
Ramaphosa said the 2 countries “they should cooperate at a much higher level” and that bilateral trade “it needs to be much bigger”. Exchange between Brazil and South Africa totaled US$2.3 billion in 2025, according to ComexStat. For Planalto, the volume is below the potential of 2 of the main emerging economies in the Global South.
The 2 leaders should meet again in Barcelona (Spain), on April 18, for the 4th meeting in defense of democracy, at the invitation of the president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez. Lula said that they should also see themselves in the G7, the Brics and the G20 in 2026, with no set dates.
