Brasília, April 12, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, Luis Ernesto Derbez, arrives today in Brasília, the first city on a trip that will take him to the four Mercosur countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil). Derbez will be received tomorrow (13) by the Brazilian Chancellor, Celso Amorim, as well as by the Minister of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade, Luiz Fernando Furlan.

In Brazil, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Derbez will discuss political and economic themes of mutual interest, such as trade negotiations, investments, cooperation, social inclusion policies, the regional and international situation, integration processes, and the strengthening of multilateralism.

Mexico is Brazil's fifth largest export market, surpassed only by the United States, the European Union, Argentina, and China. Bilateral trade amounted to US$ 3.2 billion in 2003.

From Brasília, the Mexican Chancellor proceeds to Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. In Paraguay he is expected to inaugurate the new seat of the Mexican Embassy, and in Buenos Aires he will open the forum "Argentina-Mexico: Prospect and Perspectives."

Translator: David Silberstein