Lisbon (Portugal), July 10, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva affirmed today, in this capital, that his role in the next few years will be to improve Brazil's relations with various countries, most of all with those in which Portuguese is spoken. To this end, he intends to make sure that protocols are complied with and that delays do not constitute the cause of problems between Brazil and Portugal.

At a press interview, Lula announced that he and Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio discussed steps for improving trade relations between the two countries. He affirmed that, from the economic point of view, Portugal makes extraordinary sacrifices for companies to invest in Brazil. He pointed out, however, that Brazilian investment in Portugal is still very meager.

According to Lula, Brazil first has to do its homework. "First, we need to consolidate the Mercosur and establish Brazil's hegemony in the South American bloc, in order to go on to negotiate with the European Union and other blocs," he said, recalling that globalization has made the world smaller and created easier spaces for trade.

The President added that Portugal can be an extraordinary platform for major Brazilian entrepreneurs. "We have a precise notion of Brazil's role in the globalized world. We shall do our best for emerging countries to have a chance for economic growth," Lula guaranteed, cautioning that the poorest countries need opportunities.

For his part, President Jorge Sampaio told the press that Portugal and Brazil are experiencing an excellent moment in bilateral relations, with opportunities to discuss development projects and consolidate their relations. "President Lula's visit is very meaningful in the political and business context. There are currently many Portuguese investments in Brazil, and we desire, too, that Brazilian investments in Portugal increase significantly," he affirmed. (DAS)