Brazil adopts free trade with Palestinian Authority

Brazil has enacted a long-pending free trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority, demonstrating support for the Palestinian people.

"The agreement is a tangible step toward an economically viable Palestinian state that can coexist peacefully with its neighbors," Brazil's foreign ministry stated on Monday.

It remains unclear if other Mercosur members will ratify the agreement. Argentina's right-wing government, led by President Javier Milei, is not expected to do so. The foreign ministries of Uruguay and Paraguay have not responded to requests for comment.

Ibrahim Al Zeben, the Palestinian ambassador in Brasilia, praised Brazil's decision as "courageous, supportive, and timely."

"This is the effective way to support peace in Palestine," Al Zeben told Reuters, expressing hope that Palestine's trade with Mercosur, currently at $32 million a year, will increase.