Bolivia backs U.S. push to label Brazilian gangs as terrorists

“The classification of terrorism is complex and varied. For us, what we have done—arresting drug traffickers—is central to our fight against organized crime, mafias, and also terrorism, because they are part of a cycle of terrorism,” Paz said at a press conference on Monday at Brazil’s Itamaraty Palace.

His remarks align with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s position and increase pressure on President Lula’s stance in Latin America. In an interview with Valor this week, Peña said he supports the possibility of the United States designating Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations. Paraguay adopted that classification in 2025, and according to Peña, it has enabled the country to deploy its security forces more effectively.

Paz also highlighted the arrest of Sebastián Marset last Friday, a suspected drug trafficking leader with alleged ties to the PCC. According to the Bolivian president, Marset was one of the country’s top four traffickers and contributed to a climate of instability and what he described as terrorism. “Today, our society is freer,” he said.

Earlier today, Paz and Lula signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in fighting organized crime along their shared border. Speaking to the press, Lula said both countries are united in their concern for public security.

“The agreement provides for greater coordination to prevent and punish drug and human trafficking, smuggling, vehicle theft, money laundering, illegal mining, and environmental crimes. At the same time, it is essential to facilitate the movement of people,” Lula said.

He emphasized that the future of the region depends on cooperation among countries. “Without ideological constraints, without hatred and without violence, we will build a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Latin America,” he said.

During his meeting with Paz, Lula noted that bilateral trade between Brazil and Bolivia “remains well below its potential,” reaching just $2.6 billion in 2025.

“We need to do much more to reverse this situation,” he said alongside the Bolivian president. Elected last October, Paz is a member of the Christian Democratic Party and is seen as a center-right politician. The visit occurred at Lula’s invitation.

According to Lula, there are opportunities to expand trade in sectors such as food, dairy products, genetic materials, seeds, fruit, cotton, sugarcane, and soybeans. He also pointed to the potential for deeper cooperation in biotechnology, with support from Brazil’s agricultural research agency, Embrapa, as well as in the production of biofuels and other renewable products.

As Valor has reported, Paz’s state visit is part of Brazil’s efforts to engage with right-leaning leaders in Latin America, as Lula seeks to avoid potential isolation under a second Trump administration.

Earlier this month, the U.S. president formalized a military coalition dubbed the “Shield of the Americas” with leaders from 12 Latin American countries. Lula was not invited, as most participants were aligned with right- or center-right positions. According to the U.S. government, one of the group’s objectives is to combat drug cartels.

Paz’s visit comes days after Lula canceled a trip to Chile for the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast, a right-wing leader. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira represented Brazil at the ceremony.

During the visit, Brazil and Bolivia also signed an agreement on electrical interconnection and a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation.

Lula said construction of a bridge over the Mamoré River is expected to begin next year. The binational project will link Guajará-Mirim, in Brazil’s Rondônia state, to Guayaramerín, in Bolivia. The bridge will span 1.22 kilometers and is estimated to cost R$421 million.