Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declared that US President Donald Trump holds the democratic right to govern the United States but not other nations, insisting that Washington must respect the sovereign independence of other countries.
"President Trump was elected to be the US president. He has the right to govern. But he doesn't have the right to govern other countries," Lula said in an interview with CNN.
"He doesn't have the right to impose his will," Lula added. "I like to be respected and show respect."
Lula strongly criticised what he characterised as Trump's unilateral approach to foreign policy, arguing that nations must reinforce international multilateralism to resolve global disputes.
"The best way to keep the world in harmony is to strengthen multilateralism," he told CNN Brasil.
Bilateral friction
Lula asserted that Trump's worldview is predicated on the notion that the most powerful nation can dictate terms to others: "He has a way of governing: 'I am the strongest, I am the richest, I can do everything and the others have to obey.' It is the law of the strongest. I do not agree with that."
The Brazilian head of state has regularly challenged Trump's posture on foreign relations as friction between Brasilia and Washington has intensified over trade restrictions and American diplomatic pressure.
Lula landed in New York on Sunday ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he will deliver the traditional opening national address on Tuesday.
While stressing that Brazil seeks continuous dialogue and constructive negotiations with Washington, Lula emphasised that his country will refuse external impositions.
