Political Alliances and Tensions: Lula Visits Kirchner in Buenos Aires

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, after participating in the Mercosur trade talks, paid a visit to former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner at her Buenos Aires apartment, where she is currently serving a six-year sentence for corruption. The meeting was a show of solidarity from Lula, who has faced similar accusations.

Lula did not have a private meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, a right-wing libertarian who has publicly criticized him, calling him a "communist" and "corrupt." During Lula's visit to Argentina, which coincided with the Mercosur summit in Buenos Aires, Brazil assumed the rotating presidency of the Mercosur bloc.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who led Argentina from 2007 to 2015, had her corruption sentence upheld by the country's Supreme Court in June. Supporters have shown up outside her apartment, rallying in support, as she deals with the legal repercussions. In a gesture of empathy, Lula contacted Kirchner through social media, urging her to stay resilient in challenging times.

(With inputs from agencies.)