Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Hugo Chávez (Venezuela), Àlvaro Uribe (Colombia), and José Luis Zapatero (Spain), met in Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela, to strengthen ties among their countries, as well as to discuss international issues.
During the meeting, they renewed their commitment to deepen dialogue and political cooperation on subjects of mutual interest, such as the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and the validation of Human Rights protection norms.
The four presidents also committed to embracing the cause against world hunger and poverty. Lula stated, “Poverty is the strongest destruction weapon in the world.”
During the meeting in Venezuela, the presidents also talked about Mercosul’s achievements and the need to fortify commercial relations in the continent, through the integration of South American countries.
In their opinion, Mercosul’s effort to establish commercial agreements with the European Union is “fundamental” to the development of South American nations.
The authorities are also focused on the strengthening of a multilateral order, based on the “sovereign equality of all nations and respect for the norms and principles of International Law.” The reform of the United Nations Security Council was also discussed.
Translation: Andréa Alves
Agência Brasil