Beijing (China), May 25, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The importance of regional integration for the strengthening of developing countries was one of the main themes of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's speech at the University of Beijing. As an example, Lula cited the G-20's achievements in the agricultural sphere. "At the WTO (World Trade Organization) Ministerial Meeting in Cancún in September, 2003, the coordination among a significant group of developing countries, including Brazil and China, proved decisive in transforming the dynamics of the negotiations," he recalled.

Lula also drew attention to two recent conquests in the process of South American integration: the incorporation of Peru into the Mercosur and the establishment of an agreement considered "historical" with the Andean countries. "With the convergence of the two major blocs in South America, an economic and strategic alliance is created that embraces a population of approximately 350 million inhabitants and a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of over a trillion dollars," he affirmed. According to the President, the partnership with Argentina is the mainstay of Brazil's South American policy. Revitalization of the Mercosur is another fundamental question. The Mercosur is currently engaged in negotiations with the European Union, India, and the Southern African Customs Union over trade liberalization.

Relations between Brazil and China were defined by the President as "emblematic." After citing significant figures, such as the US$ 8 billion in bilateral trade in 2003, Lula concluded: "We have the historical responsibility to make the China-Brazil relationship a paradigm of the cooperation the world expects from the XXI century."

Translator: David Silberstein