London, July 14, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Presidential spokesman, André Singer, informed that three topics were discussed at the meeting between Luis Inácio Lula da Silva and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair. One was the need for emerging countries to receive development assistance from developed countries.

According to Singer, Lula said that he regards it as important for countries like the United Kingdom to consider the possibility of making resources available for infrastructure projects in developing countries, especially those of the Mercosur. These resources, according to Lula, would be "investments, not donations, essential for the promotion of integration and development in the region." Blair said he would study the proposal.

They also discussed the need for the UN to recover its representativeness. Lula underscored Brazil's interest in winning a permanent seat on the Security Council, an idea well received by the British Prime Minister.

Lula also touched on matters involving negotiations between the Mercosur and European countries, describing the efforts his Administration has made on behalf of South American integration. According to Singer, one of the Brazilian President's concerns is for the European Union to change its policy of agricultural subsidies.

Singer informed that Blair assured Lula that the British government has been pressing for a decision to make the subsidies more flexible, so that South American countries can improve their trade possibilities. (DAS)