Luanda, August 27 (RHC)-- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed Saturday in the Angolan capital, Luanda, the need to enhance bilateral relations between his country and Africa in technology and knowledge development, affirming that both economies can grow together.

During a press conference at the end of a meeting with the Brazilian community in Angola, Lula said that there is "a culture of always looking at the rich cousin, the richest countries.  For many, the relationship with Africa was seen as problematic.  The African continent has 54 countries that love Brazil and that is why we must bet on the relationship with these sister nations".

The president reflected on the non-existence of direct flights from Brazil to Africa and pointed out that upon his return to Brasilia he will set up a meeting with the airlines and with the Ministry of Ports and Airports to discuss this issue.

"Let's look for solutions to this problem," said Lula da Silva, while emphasizing that "Brazil has to bet on the relationship with the African continent.  We have to bet, because our Navy can give service, as well as our Army, our aeronautics, our engineering.  We want to recover our naval industry.  We can grow together," he affirmed after considering that "Brazil cannot simply want to export to Africa."

On the other hand, the Brazilian president valued that "no matter the size of the country or the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we have to be in Africa and represent our country."  Meanwhile, he announced that he will include other African countries on his agenda of visits to other countries.

"Culture unites Brazil and Angola.  We will reissue the Conferences of Intellectuals of Africa and the Diaspora, an event that we held in the past and that will strengthen cultural relations with both sides of the Atlantic.  Our cooperation will also be based on mutual cultural recognition," he stressed.

Lula da Silva also confirmed the opening of a consulate in Luanda, a city that already has a Brazilian embassy.  About 30,000 Brazilians live in Angola.

During his activities on Saturday, Lula defended the renegotiation of the foreign debt of African countries with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and proposed that this money be converted into investment for development.  

On the other hand, he again urged the reformulation of the United Nations Security Council.

This Saturday, among other activities, the Brazilian president inaugurated the Ovídio de Melo Gallery at the Guimarães Rosa Institute in Luanda, which will focus on cultural and recreational diplomacy and will be attached to the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.

Lula's official visit to Angola followed his attendance to the 15th Summit of BRICS leaders, which took place in Johannesburg, South Africa.  During this meeting, already considered historic, the bloc formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and the host country announced the incorporation of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran into the alliance as from January 2024.