In Russia, Lula celebrates 80th anniversary of victory against Nazis
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is taking part in Moscow on Friday (May 9) in the civic-military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi in World War II.
On this date in 1945, the Red Army announced the unconditional surrender of the Germans, putting an end to the conflict that devastated Western Europe and killed tens of millions of people for more than half a decade (1939–1945).
In Russia, the date is known as Victory Day and is marked by a large national celebration. The Brazilian president has been in the country since Wednesday (7), at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom he is expected to hold bilateral meetings throughout the day.
According to the official agenda released by the Planalto presidential palace, President Lula will start his engagements at 10 am local time (4 am in Brasília) at the main ceremony on Red Square, in the center of the Russian capital. He will then take part in the floral offering ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The agenda continues with a lunch hosted by President Putin at the Kremlin palace, the seat of the Russian government. In the afternoon, still morning in Brazil, the two leaders will meet to discuss a bilateral agenda. They are expected to announce trade partnerships and sign deals on science and technology.
Also on Friday, the Brazilian head of state will hold a bilateral meeting with the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, and wrap up the day with a dinner hosted by the Brazilian embassy in Moscow.
President Lula is ed by First Lady Janja da Silva and an entourage of ministers and other government officials, including Senate President Davi Alcolumbre.
From Moscow, President Lula and his entourage will travel the following day to Beijing, China, where they are set to take part in the summit between the Asian giant and the nations of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States on May 12 and 13, as well as making a state visit with the g of at least 16 bilateral acts.
