Temer goes to Russia to discuss energy and environment
President Michel Temer is going on a visit to Russia and Norway on Monday (June 19) to strengthen Brazil's relationship with the two countries. He will have meetings with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and King Harald V and Prime Minister Erna Solberg in Oslo, as well as meetings with investors.
“President Temer will reaffirm his firm commitment to the reform agenda and a wider, better integration of the country with global trade and investment flows,” said presidential spokesman Alexandre Parola.
In Russia, he said, the visit will focus on drawing investments to Brazil'd energy sector. Temer is also going to explore possibilities in railways, ports, and other infrastructure areas. Bilateral agreements are expected to be signed in trade and investment, cultural exchange, and political consultations. The farming sector should also be addressed. In 2016, Brazil was the supplier of 60% of Russia's meat imports. The government now wants to expand access to farming products and diversify exports.
Temer will also meet with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko, and Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament).
In Norway, the visit will focus on environmental issues. The country has already contributed $850 million into the Amazon Fund run by Brazil's National Development Bank (BNDES), and remains the largest funder of the initiative. Currently, there are 89 projects in such areas as anti-deforestation, land tenure, and territorial and environmental management of indigenous lands. Moreover, Norway is the eighth-largest foreign investor in Brazil, with a presence in the energy sector.
Fire in Portugal
Before his trip, President Michel Temer posted on his Twitter account about the fire that killed dozens of people in the Leiria region in Portugal. “We extend our solidarity to the people and the government of Portugal for the tragic fire in Leiria,” Temer wrote.
The fire reached a highway that runs across a forest reserve, killing more than 60 people—it was mostly in Pedrogão Grande village, but it spread to other villages as well.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Temer goes to Russia to discuss energy and environment
