The president of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, has officially told President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, that his country will support a permanent seat on the UN Security Council for Brazil.
The decision by Congo is part of a clear tendency for African nations as a block to support the Brazilian candidacy.
Lula declared that he was grateful for Congo support and that Brazil would support African candidates for an expanded, reformed Security Council.
Lula went on to say that a level playing field was essential in international trade, pointing out that commerce has become an efficient tool in promoting economic development.
As for future relations with Congo, Lula was upbeat, citing a number of areas that look promising, such as heavy engineering, civil construction, mining and the energy sector.
"Brazil’s experience with sugarcane-based ethanol additive for gasoline, along with biodiesel, are technologies that can assist Congo to use its natural resources efficiently," he said.
The two presidents signed agreements on diplomatic passports and mechanisms for consultation on issues of mutual interest.
Brazil-Congo relations date from 1980. In 2004, Brazil exported goods worth US$ 21.5 million to Congo, a nation rich in oil and natural gas resources.
Agência Brasil
