Press Release

EAM calls on President Lula of Brazil

01/09/2009

External Affairs Minister Shri S. M. Krishna, along with his counterpart from South Africa, called on the Brazilian President Lula today at the President´s office in Brasilia. EAM emphasized India´s abiding commitment to IBSA, which symbolizes the spirit of South-South cooperation. In its work, IBSA draws inspiration from President Lula´s vision.

EAM recalled Prime Minister´s recent meetings with President Lula at multilateral fora, including the G8+O5 summit in L´Aquila. President Lula conveyed his very warm sentiments towards Prime Minister.

President Lula and the three IBSA Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction at the progress made by IBSA in the last three years. A number of IBSA working groups in diverse areas have been established. The IBSA fund, which receives equal contributions from the three countries, focuses on helping less developed countries. The Ministers also emphasized the need for improved air links and enhancing of investments, for IBSA to achieve even more tangible results.

New Delhi
September 1, 2009