Brasília, 7/7/2004 (Agência Brasil) - This morning president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the president of Mexico, Vicente Fox, met at the Palacio do Itamaraty for talks on bilateral relations. Ministers from both countries participated in the discussions which included investments, trade, environment and cooperation, along with regional and international affairs, and regional integration.

Brazil is one of Mexico's six biggest trade partners, while Mexico is Brazil's ninth biggest trade partner. Last year, Brazilian exports to Mexico totalled US$2.7 billion, while Mexico exported goods worth US$533 million to Brazil. Some 60% of Brazilian exports to Mexico are autos and autoparts. Textiles and meats are also exported to Mexico.

The Fox visit is a continuation of a series of meetings by the two leaders. Lula was in Mexico in September, last year. They met at the Americas summit in Monterrey in January and the Latin American, Caribbean and European Union summit in Guadalajara in May, this year.

This afternoon, Lula and Fox will travel together to the 26th Mercosur Summit in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina.

(Translator: Allen Bennett)