Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks during the summit of South American leaders at the Itamaraty Palace, headquarters of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, in Brasilia. | Photo: EFE

Brasilia, May 30 (RHC)-- The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, opened Tuesday the summit of South American leaders with a speech in which he stressed the importance of regional integration for "strengthening unity."

"I have the firm conviction that we need to strengthen our commitment to the region," assured Lula, who considered that "the integration of South America depends on the feeling of remaining to the same community."   The Brazilian leader said that the elements that unite the region "are above ideologies".   "No country can face the current threats in isolation," he warned. 

Lula mentioned the "deep marks" left by the coronavirus pandemic and the danger of hate speeches in social networks.