German Ambassador to Brazil Georg Witschel met in Brasília today (Jan. 21) with Brazilian acting President Hamilton Mourão, and argued for a quick conclusion of negotiations aimed at an agreement between Mercosur and the European Union (EU).

“It is of great interest for Germany to advance such negotiations. [Mourão’s] message after the meeting between President Bolsonaro [and Argentina’s Mauricio] Macri was, there is interest for Mercosur to advance its business with the European Union. And, of course, on the European side, we are interested in concluding this in a quick manner, in the form of a deep treaty,” the diplomat said.

Georg Witschel stressed his visit aimed to help build a good reputation for Brazil overseas. To meet this goal, he said, the Brazilian government should outline its plan on climate change, human rights, and reforms in greater detail.

“I think it is important to have the government explain its intentions and reforms, as well as [the actions in favor of] human rights, is the fight against climate change will continue, etc. So I’m optimistic, but we have a lot to do,” he said.

Witschel said the lack of clear information on certain topics brings about “concern and a nervous atmosphere” in several sectors of society. “I don’t think it reflects the truth, but there’s a very critical public opinion. The best arguments, therefore, are the facts.”

In his view, the Brazilian government should be evaluated vis-à-vis its actions and not through words said during the electoral campaign and posts on social media.

The German diplomat described the conversation with Mourão as “excellent.” Both discussed the political, economic, and social crisis in Venezuela, in addition to the impact of the explosion of the car bomb in Venezuela last week.