Saturday, March 14, 2009

President Obama meets President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva of Brazil


President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed the economy, energy and the environment Saturday during their first White House meeting.

Both leaders said the Oval Office sit-down was productive and they looked forward to seeing each other at the Group of 20 nations meeting in London early next month, followed by the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad in mid-April.

"I have been a great admirer of Brazil and a great admirer of the progressive, forward-looking leadership that President Lula has shown throughout Latin America and throughout the world," Obama said after the meeting.

"We have a very strong friendship between the two countries but we can always make it stronger," he said.

Silva said one of the points he raised was "the importance of President Obama's election and what it represents to the world and, especially to Latin America."

He said he and Obama "are truly convinced" that decisions coming out of the G-20 can resolve the economic crisis.

In a lighter moment, Silva said he tells people at rallies in his country that he prays more for Obama than he does for himself. With so many problems facing Obama in his short time in office, "I don't want to be in his position," Silva said.

To which Obama added: "I'll tell you what. You sound like you've been talking to my wife."





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