Hollande and Rousseff Sign Cooperation Agreements and Joke on World Cup

12/13/2013 - 08h37

In a state visit to Brazil, on Thursday, French President François Hollande and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff signed a series of cooperation agreements on various areas agriculture, education, health and technology.

Hollande has deffended that Brazil take a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. France's previous president, Nicolas Sarkozy, had also expressed such support.

"France is in favor of a change in global governance. We are working hard for the advance of the United Nations. ( ...) And Brazil should take the sit that belongs to them at the Security Council," Hollande said at the Itamaraty Palace.

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One of the agreements made ​​foresees the implementation of a high performance computer project. According to Ms. Rousseff, the agreed work plan includes the acquisition of a supercomputer and installing two research and technology transfer centers.

The French president also mentioned the partnership between the countries in fields such as energy and technological innovations."In all the technological innovations Brazil wants to undertake France is willing [to collaborate]," he said.

When toasting, Hollande praised the economic and social policies of President Dilma Rousseff and said Brazil today "is a great power in the world."

Ms. Rousseff also adopted a complimentary tone when speaking to Hollande. She stated that France is Brazil's "strategic ally" and talked about the influences that the country has had here.

The Brazilian president also thanked the French support to United Nations initiatives against espionage made mainly by the United States.

In a playful mood, the Brazilian president teased the French leader when talking about the World Cup."I wish a lot of luck to the French national team. Except, as I already explained, when [playing] against Brazil."

Translated by SIMONE PALMA

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