Brasília, July 27 (SANA)Brazil has recalled its ambassador toArgentinafor consultations and summoned Argentina’s ambassador in Brasília in protest over remarks byArgentine President Javier Mileithat the Brazilian government described as offensive to PresidentLuiz Inácio Lula da Silvaand the country’s state institutions.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), a diplomatic source said on Monday that Milei’s remarks had “offended Brazil’s state authorities, the Brazilian people and Brazilian democracy.” The comments promptedBrazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieirato recall Brazil’s ambassador to Buenos Aires for consultations while summoning Argentina’s ambassador in Brasília to formally convey the government’s protest.

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision followed remarks made by Milei during a political event in São Paulo, where he criticized Lula, referring to him without naming him as a “thief” and a “convicted criminal.” Milei also sharply criticized a justice of Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court.

Speaking at a trade union event, President Lula said he would continue to lead Brazil “without interference from anyone,” stressing that Brazil would not accept interference in its internal affairs, without mentioning Milei by name.

In a separate radio interview, Milei accused the governments ofBrazil and Mexico, as well as the U.S. Democratic Party, of financing what he described as an “anti-Argentina campaign,” without providing evidence to support the allegations.

Relations betweenBrazil and Argentinahave remained strained since Milei took office in late 2023, reflecting sharp political differences between the Argentine president and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The tensions have affected diplomatic coordination between South America’s two largest economies despite their shared membership in the Mercosur trade bloc.