Brasília, 7/19/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - This afternoon president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will meet with minister of Tourism, Walfrido dos Mares Guia, to discuss the new direct connection between São Paulo and Beirut which is scheduled to begin operation on August 16. Flights will be a partnership by TAM and Middle East Airlines.

Later in the afternoon, Lula has a meeting with the world president of Philips, Gerard Kleisterlee.

(Translator: Allen Bennett)