Dilma says Brazil wants 'non-oppressive' cooperation with Africa.

247 President Dilma Rousseff arrived this Friday, the 24th, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she is participating in the Golden Jubilee of the African Union. She met today with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, and this Saturday, the 25th, she will attend a luncheon offered by the African Union and will deliver a speech during the meeting.

Speaking to journalists, the president said that Brazil wants to maintain more than just a commercial relationship with Africa, a "cooperation that is not oppressive," she defined. "Brazil wants not only to establish commercial relations, invest here, sell to these countries, but also wants cooperation in the South-South model. It is a cooperation that is not oppressive, that is based on mutual advantages and shared values."

Brazil is representing Latin America at the African Union meeting. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), among the reasons for choosing Brazil are the growing trade relations with African countries and the fact that Brazil has one of the strongest diplomatic representations in Africa – with 37 embassies in 54 countries.

The president stated that she considered it "an honor" for the country to have been invited to speak on behalf of the region. According to her, "it reflects the recognition of the importance that Brazil attaches to Africa." 

Brazil collaborates with African nations in areas such as health, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, with technical cooperation projects in 40 countries across the continent and a growing presence of private investment. 

During the bilateral meeting between Brazil and Ethiopia, cooperation agreements were signed in the areas of air services, technology, education, and agriculture. A memorandum of understanding will also be signed with the African Union for the secondment of Brazilian professors to the Pan-African University.

From the Planalto Blog