Lula da Silva calls for stronger Turkish-Brazilian relations

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is paying a three-day official visit to Turkey, the first-ever of its kind, at the invitation his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, addressed a meeting of Turkish-Brazilian Business Council in Istanbul yesterday, which was held by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). Stressing that Turkey is a country of the utmost importance for the world, Lula Da Silva called for stronger relations between Turkey and Brazil in all areas, including bilateral trade ties. Considering the huge trade potential of the two countries, the current Turkish-Brazilian bilateral trade volume is very low, and needs to be remarkably improved, he said. Talking about his country's social and welfare policies, he said, "Along with our policies to expand trade ties with the rest of the world, we also took decisions to take care of those in need in the country." Lula Da Silva also talked about the possible cooperation areas with Turkey, and saying that Brazil's state-owned oil drilling company Petrobras would invest in Turkey to explore oil in the Black Sea. Praising the potential of the two countries, he concluded his address with a message to Turkish businesspeople: "Turkey, with 72 million and Brazil, with 190 million people, are two emerging countries with many things that they still have to build, so let us do it together.” Also speaking at the meeting, Brazilian Industry and Trade Minister Miguel Jorge said Brazil, the third largest jet aircraft producer in the world, could work with Turkey to produce jets. He said that bilateral trade volume between the two countries climbed from $22 million in 1999 to $1.5 billion in 2008, adding that Brazil was ready to become one of Turkey's leading trade partners. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek addressed the meeting as well. Stating that Brazil is Turkey's biggest trade partner in Latin America, Simsek said, "But the current bilateral trade volume between the two countries was below the desired level." Calling on Brazilian businessmen to take advantage of Turkey's unique geographical location, he said Turkish and Brazilian firms could cooperate in several industries, particularly the automotive, household appliance, textile and agriculture sectors. In related news, Lula Da Silva is expected to proceed to Ankara today, where he will be welcomed by President Gul with an official ceremony at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. As well as holding official talks with his Brazilian counterpart, Gul will also host a dinner in honor of the visiting Brazilian president. Playing in leading Turkish football clubs such as Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray, several Brazilian footballers are also expected to attend this dinner.