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Brazil and South Africa Strengthen Defense Ties Against Western Influence

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil urged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to boost defense cooperation during Ramaphosa's state visit to counter invasion risks.
He called for reducing reliance on Western arms suppliers and for collaboration on defense production, saying, "We need to combine our potential."
Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged Brazil's advanced technology in defense.
The leaders condemned U.S. military actions in the Middle East and Washington's interventionism in Latin America, reflecting BRICS' push for greater defense autonomy amid rising tensions.

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Story summary

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil urged South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to boost defense cooperation during Ramaphosa's state visit to counter invasion risks.
He called for reducing reliance on Western arms suppliers and for collaboration on defense production, saying, "We need to combine our potential."
Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged Brazil's advanced technology in defense.
The leaders condemned U.S. military actions in the Middle East and Washington's interventionism in Latin America, reflecting BRICS' push for greater defense autonomy amid rising tensions.