With the third assumption of power by former trade union leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil today, not only the blossoming hope but also the necessary regional integration are being strengthened, said Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés, who attended the inauguration of the President.
“Lula is without a doubt a political phenomenon. All of the progressive policies of the Workers’ Party (PT) are a benchmark for the region,” Valdés said in an interview with Prensa Latina.
He added that Brazil, because of its political weight and also because of its natural resources, will also have an impact on strengthening Latin American integration, even more so to take it back from the Southern Common Market (Mercosur); and will have a significant presence in the revitalization of other entities such as the Union of South American Nations (Unasur).
Regarding bilateral relations between Brazil and Cuba, he pointed out that “first we must restore relations in the order of bilateral relations and bring them to the highest political level”.
Economic, trade and cooperation ties in various industries and activities such as biotechnology, medicine and food production, tourism, etc. also need to be restored, he added.
“A tremendous opportunity is opening up for trade between the two countries,” stressed the Cuban Vice President.
During his stay in Brazil, Valdés Mesa met with leaders of political organizations and held a meeting with Gleisi Hoffman of the Workers’ Party, whom he thanked for his party’s unconditional solidarity with Cuba and the revolution, and for the support of his people in the fight against it blockade imposed by the US.