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News > Brazil

Brazilian President Celebrates Angela Merkel's 'Historic' Visit

Published 20 August 2015
Opinion

Chancellor Merkel's visit is aimed at improving commercial relations between the two countries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Brazil Thursday for a visit with her Brazilian counterpart Dilma Rousseff, which aims to strengthen commercial relations between the two countries.

The visit by the German head of state comes at an opportune time for South America's largest economy, which is in the midst of a recession that has damaged President Dilma Rousseff's approval rating and spurred opposition protests.

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Speaking to the press after her bilateral meeting with Merkel, President Rousseff celebrated Merkel’s visit as historic and praised the long-standing relationship between her country and Germany, one of the principal investors in Brazil's economy.

“I am certain I will see Germany and Brazil grow closer,” said Rousseff.

Rousseff said the pair talked about strengthening internet privacy rights. Both Rousseff and Merkel were the victims of spying by U.S. intelligence agencies.

The Brazilian president added that Brazil welcomes German involvement in the Brazilian energy industry. According to the Reuters news agency, one of the aims of Merkel's visit to Brazil is to to grant better investment terms to German companies.

Merkel's delegation to Brazil includes representatives from 11 government departments and large German companies.

German officials expect to work with the Brazilians to find common ground on climate policy before a U.N. conference in December.

“We need to work together to reduce carbon emissions,” said Merkel, who added she was “impressed” by Brazil’s renewable energy plans.

Merkel also praised Brazil's role in the Mercosur trade bloc, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia.

Rousseff said her government would work toward the signing of a trade deal between Mercosur and the European Union.

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