Brasília - Speaking, Tuesday (16), in the Ministry of Foreign Relations, in Brasília, at a dinner in honor of South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed Brazil's desire to have South Korea as a strategic partner in Asia. In his speech Lula said that "Brazil is ready for the resumption of development" and pointed out that trade between the two countries will reach US$ 3 billion in 2004.

Lula said that Brazil backs South Korea's entry into the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He also underlined the need to discover a negotiated solution for the Korean peninsula as part of a solution for world peace. Along the same lines, the Brazilian President emphasized the need for a reform of the United Nations that will enable emerging countries to have an active voice in the organization.

Lula went on to say that regional integration is the way to find solutions to sustained development. "The Mercosur is the touchstone of the South American Community of Nations we intend to build together with the Andean and Amazonian countries," the President remarked. He observed that the Mercosur can contribute to the deepening of trade relations between South America and Asia.

In an expression of appreciation for the toast offered by Lula, the President of South Korea lauded the Brazilian President's initiative in proposing the creation of a Global Fund to Combat Poverty and Hunger. According to Moo-Hyun, this initiative "has attracted the attention of over 100 countries." He added that Lula set "an example to be followed," through the implementation of the Zero Hunger Program and the formation of the Global Allance that allows developing countries to benefit from the reduction of their foreign debt.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Marcos Chagas
Translator: David Silberstein
11/18/2004