Brazil, ideal partner of Sri Lanka - Minister Peiris

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris in bilateral talks with Brazilian External Affairs Minister Antonio Patriota noted that the substantial convergence of interests and priorities of the two countries provided a firm basis for closer co-operation, in the bilateral relationship as well as in multilateral fora across a wide range of issues.

The two Ministers conducted bilateral discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brasilia on February 8, during Prof. GL Peiris' official visit to Brazil on the invitation of his Brazilian counterpart Antonio Patriota.

Among the similarities between the experiences of the two countries identified by the Ministers were the importance of political leadership and sound strategy in eradicating violence and the sense of pride in one's own identity and cultural traditions as a powerful motivating force in evolving approaches to issues. Both countries, the Ministers noted, while placing a premium on economic development as a means of raising the living standards of their people, consistently formulated their national plans on the basis of social

equity to ensure that the less affluent sections of society became full participants and beneficiaries of development.

Prof. Peiris recalled the recent visit by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Brazil to address the Rio+20 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the perspective of developing countries with regard to challenges posed by global warming.

Brazil's External Relations Minister Patriota appreciated the priority accorded by the Government of Sri Lanka to the strengthening of relations with countries in Latin America, and pledged his wholehearted co-operation in deepening Brazil's relations with Sri Lanka.

Given the excellent political relationship between the two countries, the Brazilian Minister underlined his eagerness to strengthen economic relations, with emphasis on trade, investment and tourism.

Prof. Peiris observed that, as the world's sixth largest economy, Brazil is ideally equipped to be a significant partner with Sri Lanka in this field. Apex Brazil, the country's main trade Agency, would play a crucial role in this regard, it was noted.

The Ministers agreed that a useful initiative would be to diversify the major items of trade - an objective which is especially relevant, because sugar accounts at present for 90 per cent of Brazil's exports to Sri Lanka. Tea, apparel and the gem and jewellery sector were identified as areas where Sri Lanka's exports into Brazil could be increased. Minister Patriota, showed keenness in encouraging a visit by Brazil's business leaders to Sri Lanka to forge strong relations with business Chambers.

An agreement to further strengthen diplomatic actions between the two countries was signed by Ministers Peiris and Patriota.

Prof. Peiris later delivered a lecture on Sri Lanka's contemporary experience at the Rio Branco Institute, one of Brazil's leading think tanks. The lecture was attended by high level Government officials, journalists and representatives of academia and civil society. At a separate event in Brasilia he addressed Ambassadors from countries in Latin America, Asia and Oceania accredited to Brazil.