Chile And Brazil Sign 12 Cooperation Agreements Post-summit

MEXICO CITY, Aug 6 (Bernama-Sputnik) -- Chile and Brazil signed 12 agreements and memorandums in the areas of tourism, education, energy, and healthcare during the state visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva to Santiago, the Brazilian government said on Monday, reported Sputnik. 

"Ministers and government representatives of Brazil and Chile signed 12 agreements and memorandums of understanding in the areas of tourism, education, energy, healthcare, and other topics," the Brazilian government said on X. 

The Brazilian leader arrived in the Chilean capital the day before on a state visit, which his administration called the beginning of a new stage in relations between the two countries. A bilateral business and investment forum was also held in Santiago. 

After talks with his Chilean counterpart, Gabriel Boric, the Brazilian president noted in his blog that during Brazil's presidency of the G20, Chile received the largest number of invitations to participate in the working groups of this organisation. 

"I was very pleased to welcome his willingness to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. We both believe that the policy of raising the minimum wage is fundamental to ensure that the benefits of development are available to all. President Boric is a natural ally in ensuring workers' rights, and I hope that he will be able to join the partnership that I began last year with President Biden," Lula said. 

At a press conference, Boric awarded Lula the Bernardo Higgins Order for strengthening the friendship between the two countries and himself received from his hands the Brazilian Order of the Southern Cross — both are the highest awards of the two countries for foreign citizens. 

During the talks, the presidents also touched on the topic of the Venezuelan election, the results of which Chile did not recognise until the results were re-verified. As Lula told reporters, he outlined to his colleague the joint initiatives of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico regarding the political process in Venezuela.

"Respect for tolerance, respect for popular sovereignty — this is what prompts us to advocate for transparency of results, this is what makes us call for dialogue between the parties and to promote mutual understanding between the government and the opposition," Lula said at a press conference, a video of which was published on the blog of the Brazilian government.

--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK