Brazilian President Luiz Inácio da Silva arrived yesterday, in Paramaribo, capital of Suriname, where he was received by President Runald Venetiaan. Today he participated in the inauguration of the 16th Meeting of the Heads of Caribbean States (Caricom).
In his address, the Brazilian President reiterated that Brazil’s integration with neighboring countries and regions is one of the priorities of his administration.
“Together, we can build a new economic and social geography that will make it possible for developing countries to realize fully their potentials,” the President stated.
Lula recalled that this is the first time a Brazilian President is talking to Caribbean leaders and that it’s time to establish partnerships between Brazil and the countries of the Caribbean.
“Surinam, a country that was able to bring together very different peoples, races, and cultures, represents a special partner in this dialogue. We are mature enough for a dialogue to realize our potential for a special endeavor on behalf of a world that is more fair and solidary.” he declared.
Lula equated Brazil and the Caribbean as places that received people from different cultures. He said that Brazil’s African population is the second in the world, trailing only Nigeria, and that the country also received a huge number of immigrants from Europe and Asia.
“Racial miscegenation and peaceful coexistence have characterized our identities. We are dedicated to the promotion of economic development and are determined to combat hunger, poverty, and social inequality. We want to strengthen democracy as a foundation for constructing peace in the region.”
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil