During today’s visit by the President of Uruguay, Tabaré Vázquez, Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, underscored that Uruguay and Brazil share the ideal of integrating the countries of South America.
“I am also aware that the new President of Uruguay is firmly committed to the strengthening of the Mercosur and the process of South American integration. This evident harmony between our governments opens ample prospects for the relations between our two countries.”
Lula pointed out that both he and the new Uruguayan President have the same goals of protecting human rights, promoting sustainable growth, and combatting poverty.
President Lula emphasized that the two countries seek more than just commercial integration.
“When we say we want to integrate our productive chains, we are thinking about achieving gains in production scale, but mostly we are thinking about creating jobs and wealth for our countries,” he stressed.
The President also said that, to ensure the strengthening of the Mercosur, it is necessary to install a Parliament elected by popular vote that will provide institutional reinforcement to the bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
This is Tabaré Vázquez’s first international trip since he took office in February of this year.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil