Lula, Sarkozy mark Brazil Independence Day

Brazil: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his French peer Nicolas Sarkozy led the military-civic march to celebrate the 187th anniversary of Independence of the South American nation Brazil.

The presence of Sarkozy, a guest of honor in these festivities, comes as part of the commemorations of the year of France in Brazil, which began April 21 and will conclude in November. Lula visited Paris in July, on the eve of the National Holiday of the European nation.

The march took place in Explanada dos Ministerios (a complex of 17 buildings), in downtown Brasilia, with more than 50,000 people attending.

Students, sports players, armed forces veterans, former members of peacekeeping forces in other nations and representatives of sea, air and land forces, as well as military and civilian police, among others, participated in the march.

At the end of the march, Lula and Sarkozy went Palacio da Alvorada (official residence of the President) to hold official talks and ink several bilateral agreements. They are expected to offer a press conference later.

During official talks, Brazil decided to initiate the purchase of 36 Rafale combat jets, while Sarkozy said that France plans to acquire a dozen KC-390 military cargo transport planes made by Brazil. Brasilia, Prensa Latina