Deportees arrive in Kinshasa from U.S. under Trump agreement




Agreements and treaties in areas such as gender equality, the social solidarity economy, health, culture, entrepreneurship, air services, telecommunications, science, and technology are expected to be signed.
“The goal is to consolidate partnerships, attract investment, and discuss urgent global issues such as defending democracy, multilateralism, and the fight against inequality,” Lula posted on social media.
The trip also seeks to build support for Michelle Bachelet’s candidacy for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and comes at a critical moment in relations with the European Union, ahead of the provisional entry into force of the Mercosur–European Union agreement, scheduled for May 1.
On Saturday (18), the fourth high-level meeting of the Forum for the Defense of Democracy, launched in 2024, will take place. The meeting will focus on issues related to multilateralism, including the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General, as well as inequalities, with Brazil advocating the inclusion in the final declaration of provisions on political and digital gender-based violence, and the fight against disinformation.
On Sunday (19), Lula will depart for Germany, where he will participate in Hannover Messe - the world’s largest trade fair for industrial innovation and technology - which is honoring Brazil this year.
While in Germany, he will also hold a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Brazilian diplomats expect 10 agreements to be signed between the two countries, covering areas such as defense, climate change, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy innovation, the bioeconomy, sustainable development, app development, and research on the oceans and the Brazilian Cerrado biome.
On Monday (Apr. 20), the delegation’s schedule includes the opening of the Brazilian booth at the Hannover Messe trade fair and a guided tour of the pavilions. In Germany, Lula will also take part in a business forum.
The trip will conclude on Tuesday (21) with a brief state visit to Portugal. In Lisbon, Lula will meet with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President António José Seguro. The meetings will address items on the bilateral agenda, such as cooperation in aviation, science, technology and innovation, as well as issues related to immigration, the fight against xenophobia, the Brazilian community in Portugal, peace, and international security.



Three other Brazilians made an early exit from Margaret River: Matheus Herdy, Filipe Toledo, and Alejo Muniz. In total, the WSL features 36 surfers in the men’s competition and 24 in the women’s.
In the seventh heat, three-time world champion Gabriel Medina dominated Mexico’s Alan Cleland. After finishing third at the Bells Beach event last week, Medina scored 13.16 to Cleland’s 8.50. His next opponent will be host Jack Robinson, a two-time winner of the event in 2024.
Brazilian Yago Dora, the current world champion, came out on top in his debut against Australian Jacob Willcox, scoring 13.67 to 12.93 in heat 9. Dora will face Australian-Japanese surfer Connor O’Leary in the round of 16.
In heat 11, two-time world champion Ítalo Ferreira (13.47) had a thrilling battle against Morocco’s Ramzi Boukhiam (13.33) and emerged victorious. The margin was just 0.14 points. The round of 16 will be an all-Brazilian matchup: Ítalo will face João Chianca, who advanced in the next heat by defeating American Jake Marshall 12.70 to 12.00.
The last Brazilian in action at Margaret River, Miguel Pupo, the ranking leader after his title at Bells Beach, easily defeated Australian Morgan Cibilic with a score of 12.83 to 6.90. In the round of 16, he will face another local surfer: Ethan Ewing.
Brazil also has Luana Silva competing in the women’s division. She will make her debut directly in round 2 against local favorite Sophie McCulloch.