Brasília, 12/15/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - In his third radio talk to the nation ("Café com o Presidente"), president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that what Brazil has to do is expand exports to new markets, such as those in the Middle East. Lula pointed out that at the moment, 52% of Brazilian exports go to the US and the European Union. "We have to export more because that is the way we can create jobs and get dollars," he said.

Lula said it was time for Brazil to be bolder. "Instead of sitting around here waiting for things to happen, I went to the Middle East and Africa to make them happen. Brazil has to be bolder in fighting for its rights," he said.

As for the trip to the Mideast, "We went prospecting for commercial opportunities abroad so we can develop our industries and create jobs and wealth here in Brazil," he said. The Arab countries he visited have money that can be invested in Brazil or used to buy Brazilian exports, from food to aircraft, explained the president.

Lula went on to say that a good example of trade relations with the region was the fact that Brazil exported petroleum to the Arab Emirates, one of the world's biggest petroleum exporters. "We sell them a type of oil they don't have - US$300 million worth last year."

As part of the administration's effort to expand exports further, Lula mentioned his scheduled trip to India next May and a visit by the president of Russia to Brazil. "This is part of an effort to unite similar, developing nations," said the president.

With regard to Brazil's neighbors in Latin America, Lula said the idea was to work on regional integration. Then the idea is to strengthen ties to Africa, the president explained.

Lula said that Brazil can be an example to the Middle East of democracy, respect for religious differences and peaceful coexistence amid currents of political thought. He said that during his trip to the region he was treated very well. "They know that 10 million Arabs, or descendants of Arabs, live in Brazil. They have made an exceptional contribution to our development. And another thing:in Brazil the Arabs and Jews live together in peace."

Lula concluded the broadcast wishing the country a Merry Christmas.. (AB)