The Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin, said yesterday in São Paulo that his visit to Brazil should be regarded as “a step” demonstrating his country’s interest in strengthening its relationship with Brazil. This is his first trip to Brazil.
He recalled that the relationship between the two countries has been marked by challenges, and he referred to the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute between the aircraft manufacturers Embraer and Bombardier.
“I believe that the time has come for Canada and Brazil to reiterate the partnership to strengthen and edify our bilateral relations, to work together, project our common values, and promote multilateral solutions to international problems,” he affirmed.
Martin defended the creation of what he termed the new multilateralism, in which governments can unite around an interest in a specific issue and with a commitment to find solutions.
He underlined President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s initiative in calling global attention to the battle against hunger and poverty.
Martin is heading a mission comprising 55 Canadian entrepreneurs from such sectors as mining, paper and cellulose, and telecommunications.
In São Paulo he participated in the Doing Business with Canada seminar, organized by the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp).
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein