Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned U.S. protectionist policies and strengthened regional ties at a press conference. They announced new bilateral agreements and highlighted the increasing trade relationship while discussing a bi-oceanic corridor project connecting their countries.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chilean President Gabriel Boric held a press conference on Tuesday, reiterating their dedication to multilateralism and regional solidarity amid growing global trade tensions. Both leaders were vocal in their condemnation of U.S. protectionist policies, calling for enhanced cooperation among South American nations to withstand these pressures.
During the conference, President Lula urged the need to strengthen regional institutions, questioning why Latin America has lagged in technological advancements compared to more developed countries. He implied that U.S. trade policies contribute significantly to this disparity.
Chilean President Boric supported Lula’s stance, specifically denouncing what he termed the “politicization of trade.” He expressed Chile’s commitment to maintaining strategic independence in global relations, stating, “We believe in friendship among South American countries and free trade that benefits our people.”
Boric also pointed out the burgeoning trade relationship between Brazil and Chile, emphasizing that it has surpassed Chile’s trade with most European nations. He highlighted opportunities for growth in critical sectors, including technology, investment, transportation, and financial services.
The two leaders announced several new bilateral agreements encompassing areas such as defense, public safety, agriculture, culture, and entrepreneurship. In a gesture of goodwill, Boric accepted Lula’s invitation to attend the upcoming BRICS summit, set for July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro.
As a showcase of their strengthening alliance, they discussed advancements in a vital bi-oceanic corridor project, which aims to connect Brazil’s Atlantic coast to Chile’s Pacific ports via northern Argentina and Paraguay. This infrastructure initiative is viewed as a crucial step toward enhancing trade connectivity in the region.
In summary, Brazil and Chile are reaffirming their commitment to regional cooperation in the wake of global trade challenges, particularly those stemming from U.S. policies. The leaders underscored their aim to deepen ties through trade agreements and significant infrastructure projects, paving the way for a more connected South America. The invitation to the BRICS summit further exemplifies their dedication to multilateral engagement.
Original Source: menafn.com
