Merz and Lula seek closer ties in talks ahead of Hanover trade fair

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to welcome Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the northern city of Hanover on Sunday, where the pair will open the world-leading Hannover Messe trade fair.

Before the industry event gets under way, Merz is due to receive Lula at the regal Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover with military honours for a private meeting, followed by a dinner with business representatives.

On Monday, German-Brazilian government consultations are planned at the palace, aiming to strengthen relations in areas including trade, raw materials, defence, digitalization, research and climate protection.

Foreign policy, including US actions in Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, will likely be on the agenda as well. Lula is pushing for reform of the United Nations and - like Germany - seeking a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which comes with veto powers. The left-wing Brazilian leader is hoping to counter US President Donald Trump's great power politics.

"Trump was not elected emperor of the world," Lula told Der Spiegel magazine ahead of his visit to Germany. "He cannot constantly threaten other countries with war."

Germany is Brazil's fourth-largest trading partner and the South American country intends to present itself at the Hannover Messe as "a sustainable, innovative and competitive industrial power," according to Carlos Henrique Moscardo, head of the trade department at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lula is also looking forward to sampling German cuisine during his stay. He has already informed Merz that he likes to try traditional sausages from street stalls when in Germany, the Brazilian leader told Der Spiegel.

Lula's comments may carry a subtle rebuke. He previously suggested Merz visit a Brazilian bar and try local cuisine, after the German leader drew criticism for comments made on his return from the UN climate conference in Belém, where he said journalists were pleased to leave "that place."