The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush and President Lula of Brazil in a photo opportunity in Russia, earlier today, July 17:
PRESIDENT BUSH: It’s an honor for me to have a discussion with my friend, the President of Brazil. He represents a great country, right in the heart of our neighborhood.
We’ve got a lot to discuss. I’m, of course, interested in his views about different nations in our neighborhood. He’s a man who looks at the world and is able to give a good assessment.
I’m interested in continuing our dialogue about alternative energy. Brazil has been a leader in development of bio-fuels. I’m interested, as well, in talking to the President about how we can move the Doha Round of WTO forward.
He’s one of the leaders when it comes to trade discussions. A lot of the world looks to his – to him for judgment. And so I view this as a very important meeting. We’re committed to a successful Doha Round. In order for the round to be successful, the United States and Brazil must continue to strategize.
And so, Mr. President, welcome. You’re looking good. You’re looking good.
PRESIDENT LULA: This is because of the election campaign that’s going on. (Laughter.)
Mr. President, for Brazil, the fact that the G8 had decided to create, open a special moment to discuss the Doha Round at the G8 meeting is extremely important. After our phone conversations, I am convinced that now is the time for us to make a political decision, whatever might it be.
We cannot leave in the hands of our negotiators only. They already have done immense work, but now it seems to me that they don’t have any hidden card in their pockets anymore. Now we’re the ones that have to take our cards from the pockets. So that’s why it is extremely important that the G8 discusses this subject matter.
And another important thing is that we see that we will open up the possibility for us to build partnership with the United States of America on the issue of renewable sources of energy and fuel.
And we are advancing this field. The bio-diesel program is already a reality. And now we have another novelty that is the H-bio that is directly, finally, in the refineries of the blend of oil seeds and vegetable oil with petroleum.
I’d like to take advantage of this moment and hand over to you – (laughter) – our program of renewable sources of fuel. We have ethanol, bio- diesel, H-bio – it’s almost an invitation, Mr. President, for us to build a major partnership.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir. (Laughter.)
