President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received a phone call on Thursday (Jan. 15) from Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. According to a statement released by the Planalto presidential palace, the two leaders discussed preparations for Lula’s visit to Panama on January 28, when he will participate in the opening of the International Economic Forum of Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).

During the visit, Lula will also hold a bilateral meeting with President Mulino to discuss issues related to trade, investment, and cooperation.

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Panama is one of the countries associated with Mercosur, a bloc formed by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

According to the Planalto statement, Lula and Mulino exchanged views on the situation in Venezuela and reiterated the need to preserve peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean. They also agreed on the need to strengthen the United Nations and defend international law and dialogue.