The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silvamet this Friday with the elected president of Uruguay, Yamandu Orsion his first international trip after his recent electoral victory. The meeting took place at Planalto presidential palace and it took place in a reserved atmosphere, although photographers and cameramen were allowed to enter during the initial moments.
Lula had called Orsi the previous Monday to express his congratulations for the victory in the runoff and agree to a work meeting to be held in Montevideo next December 6, coinciding with the summit of the Mercosur. This meeting is significant in the search to strengthen relations between both countries and address common issues that can benefit the development regional.
Topics on agenda
Orsi, before traveling to Brazil, communicated his intention to discuss with Lula the issues related to the Mercosur and the bilateral agenda. He expressed in his account x: «It is an honor to have visited President Lula. Pleasant exchange on the global and regional agenda that directly impacts work and production. Brazil and its economy are very important for the development of our country. Thank you for having me.”
At the end of the meeting, Orsi offered statements to Brazilian media, where he commented on the “close relationship of affinity” between the Wide Front and Lula, emphasizing that the meeting was an instance of “fine-tuning” on issues of mutual interest. In his speech, he mentioned that he also brought a greeting from his predecessor, Luis Lacalle Pouwith whom he had discussed matters relevant to Uruguay.
Exploring new opportunities
Orsi highlighted the next presidents summit of the Mercosur that will take place in Uruguay, emphasizing that negotiations on a free trade agreement between the South American bloc and the European Uniona process that has faced various obstacles. «It took us most of the meeting to analyze the state of the situation and the possibilities we have. In conclusion, we are optimistic. As Mercosur and as a region we are optimistic about the possibility of continuing to strengthen ties with other regions and fundamentally with Europe,” said Orsi.
Furthermore, the Uruguayan president-elect raised the urgency of accelerating the tenders for two projects that seek to improve the connectivity between Brazil and Uruguay. The works would include the construction of a bridge over the river Jaguar and the dredging of San Gonzalo canalwhich connects the Merín and Los Patos lagoons.
This visit, both official and protocol, reflects the possibility of a new political harmony between Orsi and Lula, who could promote a collaboration agenda in various areas. It should be noted that Lula had expressed his joy for Orsi’s victory in a message through his social networkswhere he described the result as a “triumph of all Latin America and the Caribbean«.
A future of cooperation
Lula, when congratulating the Uruguayan people for the democratic and peaceful calling of the elections, addressed words of recognition to the elected president Yamandú Orsi and his party, the Wide Front. “I want to congratulate the Uruguayan people for the holding of democratic and peaceful elections and, especially, the elected president Yamandú Orsi, the Frente Amplio and my friend Pepe Mujica for today’s victory,” said the Brazilian leader.
The meeting between Lula and Orsi marks not only the beginning of a new stage for Uruguay, but also a new chapter in the bilateral relations of the South American region, which seek to consolidate the integration and prosperity together in a changing global context.
