Lisbon, 7/10/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Today president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is in Portugal to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The president of Portugal, Jorge Sampaio, said that he was moved by the presence of the Brazilian president, calling the moment a unique opportunity to renew bilateral relations which touch the hearts of all Brazilians and Portuguese. Sampaio said he was pleased to welcome someone who was more than a chief of state because his rise to prominence was an example of perseverance and triumph over adversity. "This is a president who has turned a page in Brazilian history. He is a statesman the world is watching with great expectations. He is a politician that millions of Brazilans hope will improve their lives," said Sampaio.

The president of Portugal also recalled Lula's hard life, punctuated by poverty and prison, and repeated defeats in his attempts to become president. Sampaio said that the adversity just made Lula stronger and more determined in his quest for a more just and prosperous Brazil.

In answer, Lula thanked Sampaio for his gentle words and declared that his visit would deepen bilateral relations. "The Brazil the Portuguese discovered and the Brazil Portugal helped to build are living examples of what we can do together. Our counrtries and our people need to show the world what we are capable of doing," said Lula, adding that he wanted to discover innovative ways to deepen bilateral ties in the social, economic, scientific and technological areas.

Lula concluded by saying that it was no accident that the first country in Europe he was visiting as president was Portugal. "We are brother nations, more united than ever by the possibilities of mutual interaction," said Lula.

Lula and Sampaio have a working meeting scheduled for today. Later today, Lula will be awarded the Grande Collar of the Order of Liberty.

Sampaio was asked how he felt about meeting with Lula after just recently meeting former president, Fernando Henrique Cardoso. "I am an old friend of Cardoso, way back when he also had difficulties. And I was lucky enough to meet Lula some 14 years ago when he was a labor leader and I was the secretary general of the Portuguese Socialist Party," said Sampaio. adding that Lula was now returning to Portugal with much to teach the world. (AB)