President Joe Biden is set to make history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest during his upcoming trip to Latin America. The White House announced that Biden will embark on a six-day journey, starting with a visit to Lima, Peru, from Nov. 14-16, where he will participate in the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and meet with President Dina Boluarte.
Following his time in Peru, Biden will travel to Manaus and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from Nov. 17-19. In Manaus, he will have the unique opportunity to explore the rainforest and engage with local, indigenous, and other leaders dedicated to preserving the region. This visit marks a significant milestone as no U.S. president has undertaken such a visit before.
During his stay in Rio de Janeiro, Biden is scheduled to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to advocate for workers' rights and promote clean economic growth. Additionally, he will participate in the Group of 20 summit, where global leaders will address pressing issues such as hunger, poverty, and climate change.
Prior to his trip, Biden held discussions with Lula to prepare for the upcoming G20 summit. The two leaders share common ground, with Lula having expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris during the U.S. election. Lula's victory over former President Jair Bolsonaro in 2022, known as the “Trump of the Tropics,” underscores his alignment with progressive values.
As Biden nears the end of his presidency, these summits offer him a final opportunity to engage with world leaders he has collaborated with throughout his tenure. The visit to the Amazon rainforest symbolizes a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in addressing critical challenges facing our planet.
