Brazil to Strengthen Relations with Argentina
Brazilian Foreign Affairs Minister Celso Amorim regards the relationship between Brazil and Argentina as a priority, and said Tuesday that both nations defend common positions in international trade negotiations.

Amorim made the statement regarding perceived differences in some aspects of their bilateral relations and in the international area after he participated in a meeting of the Group of 20 (G-20), formed by underdeveloped countries to defend their interests in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"In some respects, there may currently be a different vision. But this is just a matter of time. There could be differences, for instance, on the priority given to MERCOSUR or the South American Community of Nations. We think both countries are walking together, and we don"t see how one could hurt, or damage the other," he stated.

Amorim pointed out that Brazil, as a country with common borders with nine South American countries, has to have a policy for the sake of the entire region, and in relation to a WTO meeting, in which he participated together with Ministers from the US, Australia, India, and European Union countries, he said he had not seen real progress in negotiations in the agricultural sector.

Whilst in Paris, Amorim is also participating in a meeting of the Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development (OCED).