Brasília, July 31, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Following a work meeting with the President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that the integration of South America as a region of peace and prosperity is one of the objectives of his Administration.

The President affirmed that the visits he has received from all the Presidents of South America, with the exception of Chile's Ricardo Lagos, gave him the opportunity to reaffirm his conviction "of how much an integrated, properous, and democratically fortified South America can contribute to the progress of our nations."

According to Lula, Brazil is intensifying its efforts on behalf of reciprocal understandings with all the neighboring countries, from Uruguay to Surinam, to deepen diplomatic, political, economic, cultural, and social ties.

The Brazilian President also affirmed to Bharrat his desire to give an impetus to relations with Guyana, intensifying technical cooperation in the areas of agriculture and health, as well as investigating other sectors that can contribute to the economic development of both countries. (DAS)