Brazil eager to strengthen Relations with the Arab states

Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, in Brasilia Thursday, his coming tour in some Arab states, starting December 2, aims at strengthening political, trade and cultural relations with the Arab states.

In an interview with the Arab media, Lula da Silva said his tour to Syria, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Libya, aims at achieving a "rapprochement" between the "Mercosur" (southern cone common market) and Arab countries."

"For many years, Brazil has favored relations with the United States and European countries, but now we wish to open new spaces," he said noting that the European Union (EU), following its enlargement, will be concerned by its new members and its investments in other developing countries will therefore be reduced. "That is why, he went on, we should join countries similar to ours," said the Brazilian president who will propose a meeting, next May, between Arab the states and member countries of the Mercosur to explore areas of common interest.