Alberto Fernández and Lula
Brasilia, June 26 (RHC) Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, together with his Argentine counterpart, Alberto Fernández, said today that he will present a plan with almost 100 actions to resume a strategic alliance with the neighboring country.
Lula received and decorated Fernández, who is visiting the South American giant for the fourth time this year, within the framework of the 200th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
Before awarding him, the host ruler announced at the Itamaraty Palace (Foreign Ministry headquarters) that he is working on the creation of a line of integral financing for Brazilian exports to Argentina. "It does not make sense for Brazil to lose space in the Argentine market to other countries because they offer credit and we do not", he said.
He said that progress is being made in this direction, with new and creative solutions that allow greater financial integration and facilitate exchanges.
Among the options, he said, "is that of a specific reference currency for regional trade, which will not eliminate the respective national currencies".
Argentina is Brazil's third largest trading partner in the world, behind only China and the United States. In South America, it is the main one, but faces a serious economic crisis, with devaluation of the local currency, loss of purchasing power, and high inflationary indexes.
Also in his speech, the founder of the Workers' Party said he was "very satisfied" with the prospects of financing from the National Bank of Economic and Social Development for the construction of the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline.
Named after former Argentine president, the large-caliber pipeline will connect the Vaca Muerta gas field in Neuquén to the town of Salliqueló, in the province of Buenos Aires.
After taking office on January 1, Lula made an official visit to Argentina on his first international trip in his third term. A joint declaration with multiple commitments was signed on January 23.
Fernandez came twice more to Brasilia in May. Once to meet directly with the former trade unionist and another to participate in the summit of South American presidents.
The Brazilian government attributes a "strategic and priority" character to relations with the neighboring country, a fundamental axis of the Southern Common Market, a bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and the South American integration process.
According to his agenda, Fernández will be received by the head of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, and then by the head of the Federal Supreme Court, Rosa Weber. (Source: PL)
