Berlin, January 27, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Minister of Finance, Antônio Palocci, said today, following a meeting with German Finance Minister Hans Eichel, that Brazil will receive a "very great collaboration" from the German government to help Brazil improve the balance of its economy. "The meeting was very important from the perspective of creating a climate of greater trust. The topics we discussed are of mutual interest and will certainly contribute to a very positive evolution," Palocci affirmed, after the meeting, held at the Ministry.

According to Palocci, Germany today presents a "very optimistic posture" with respect to Brazil. In his view, this position favors efforts on both sides to intensify efforts on behalf of integration. "The meeting was very productive, because we dealt with all of the areas in which the Brazilian economy and finances cross with the German economy. The two Ministries are already strongly integrated, and we want to intensify this integration," the Minister concluded. (DAS)