Brazilian President hails G20 Summit as ‘constructive’

By Zhang Yuannan from People’s Daily

 

With its agenda covering innovation, energy and climate change, the G20 Hangzhou Summit is very constructive, Brazilian President Michel Temer told the People’s Daily on Saturday ahead of his attendance at the meeting, adding that he is confident of the success of the summit.

Expressing great expectations for the summit, Temer said that he is very glad that China is his first overseas stop after assuming the post of president.

 

As soon as he formally took the presidential oath on Wednesday local time, Temer set off for China with a delegation, showing the great importance he attaches to China and the G20 Summit.

 

Much of the summit’s agenda covers top concerns for Brazil, the president explained, adding that with close ties among G20 members, the summit will help all sides exchange ideas and finally eradicate those roadblocks through discussion.

 

Citing his own country as an example, Temer said that as a nation lacking technological innovation, Brazil can learn from G20 members with advanced technologies. “I believe that the summit will benefit all attendees, especially Brazil,” he stressed.

 

By bringing more developing nations to attend the G20 summit than ever, China has demonstrated its strong sense of responsibility and foresight both as the summit’s host country and a developing nation.

 

The newly-appointed president appreciated China’s efforts in this regard, saying that developing nations also hope to play a role in the summit, and more involvement from developing countries will better the cohesion of the G20.

 

Representatives from developing nations will discuss solutions and exchange ideas on concrete actions during the summit, which is a good thing for Brazil, he added.

 

Praising the medium-to-high growth rate maintained by China amid the uncertainties confronting the sluggish world economic recovery, Temer said that Brazil should learn from China and remain confident of its prospects for development.

 

He stressed at the same time that China’s precious development experience can provide a good reference for his country and other economies.

 

Brazil is currently meeting many obstacles in its economic recovery, while China’s exemplary development experience can help Brazil and other economies boost growth, he elaborated, hoping that China can share its experience in the upcoming G20 Summit.

 

With a close bond with China, the 76-year-old Temer committed himself to collaborations and exchanges between the two countries during his tenure as the Brazilian Chairman of the China-Brazil High-level Coordination and Cooperation Committee. He has also paid multiple visits to China.

 

In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Friday, Xi described their relationship as “old friends.”

 

There are two meanings to Xi’s words, Temer said, explaining that by using the term “old friends,” Xi refers not only to the multiple meetings between them, but also to the solid China-Brazil ties. Meetings between the heads of state can facilitate bilateral relations, he added.

 

When addressing the Brazil-China High-level Business Seminar held in Shanghai on Friday, the president described China as his country’s most-needed cooperative partner, saying that now is the right time to further reinforce the Brazil-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

 

Praising their close economic, trade and diplomatic ties, he said that China now has grown into Brazil’s largest economic and trade partner, and that geographic distance cannot hinder bilateral ties.

 

He also expressed his confidence in future bilateral economic and trade cooperation, saying that the frequent high-level exchanges between the two sides will push the relationship forward.

 

Brazil-China economic and trade cooperation sets a good example for other countries in building an interconnected world economy, and will also generate positive effects on world peace, Temer said.

 

Extending his gratitude to China’s hospitality, the president reaffirmed his confidence in the success of the Summit, saying that the Summit will add luster to his impression of China.