Brazil’s government has broken its silence over growing tensions with neighboring Venezuela, with the Foreign Ministry saying it was surprised by “the offensive tone” adopted by Venezuelan authorities toward Brazil.

Earlier this week, the Venezuelan government recalled its ambassador in Brazil over what it described as "repeated interventionist and rude statements" from Brasilia, while also criticizing Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's top foreign policy advisor Celso Amorim.

The Venezuelan government on Wednesday said it was recalling its ambassador in Brazil over what it described as "repeated interventionist and rude statements" from Brasilia, adding it was also summoning Brazil's business envoy for talks.