Carolina Pimentel
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - Today (18), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received the president of São Tomé and Principe, Fradique de Mendezes. According to a note from the Ministry of Foreign Relations, among the items that are being discussed are cooperation in the area of petroleum and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).

Lula has already made two trips to São Tomé and Principe, the smallest country on the African continent. During his second visit, in July, 2004, Brazil transferred the presidency of the CPLP to São Tomé and Principe. According to the note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the two countries have a common interest in increasing trade.

This year, between January and July, Brazil exported US$ 470.995 thousand to the island residents of São Tomé and Principe and imported more than US$ 91 thousand, according to a study by the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade. Brazil's export portfolio includes paper, fibers, ceramic tiles, sinks, paint, and meat. The products that Brazil imports in greatest volume from São Tomé and Principe are meat and fish.

Translation: David Silberstein