Lula received the "More Green" award and invited Cosse to an official visit to Brazil

The mayor of Montevideo, Caroline Cossedelivered to the president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvaan important environmental recognition known as “More Green” during a special ceremony at the Montevideo City Hall building, from the balcony towards the esplanade on 18 de Julio. The award is given to “relevant personalities who make a substantive contribution to the environment” and is considered a great honor for those who receive it. During the ceremony, Mayor Cosse also delivered a special gift to the Brazilian president on behalf of the Mothers and Relatives of the Detained-Disappeared.

In his acceptance speech, Lula thanked Mayor Cosse for the recognition and invited her to visit his country. The Brazilian president stressed the importance of caring for relations with friendly countries and pointed out that his relationship as head of state is to treat any head of state in Latin America with respect. He also praised Montevideo as an admired city in Brazil and praised the mayor for her way of governing and treating the people.

Lula and Cosse then went out onto the balcony of the mayor’s office to speak to the crowd that had gathered. The Brazilian president spoke about the importance of building the unity of Latin America and strengthen MERCOSUR to improve people’s lives. He also encouraged the crowd not to lose hope and to fight against social inequalities and prejudices. In addition, he mentioned his desire to strengthen the trade agreement between Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, and mentioned his intention to include Bolivia in the future.

President Lula also referred to parity in the leadership of the party and how this is a great advance in politics. He praised women for achieving their rights and proving to be capable of ruling and being much better than men. The Brazilian president also emphasized the importance of caring for the people as if they were caring for his son and promised to work with Mayor Cosse to improve relations between Brazil and Uruguay.