Tuesday, 25 August 2009
President Barack Obama has spoken with his Brazilian counterpart,Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, about "issues of mutual interest and concernin the Americas."
Brazil's leader expressed concern about a plan to give the U.S. military greater access to seven bases in Colombia.
In a statement, the White House said the two leaders spoke Friday morning.
Pres. Barack Obama (front R) shares a word with Brazil's Pres. Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva at the G8 summit, L'Aquila, Italy, 09 Jul 2009Itsaid President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to long-standing U.S.relationships in the region, and his desire to work with Brazil andothers in the hemisphere to help advance democracy, security andprosperity for the people of the Americas.
The United Statesrecently reached a provisional agreement with Colombia, giving U.S.forces access to Colombian bases to tackle regional drug-traffickingand terrorism.
South American nations such as Bolivia, Ecuadorand Venezuela have criticized the plan, with Venezuelan President HugoChavez saying the U.S. forces could threaten his country.
Thestatement said Mr. Obama looks forward to seeing President da Silvanext month at the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit, and continuing to strengthenthe U.S. partnership with Brazil.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
