Brazil´s president awards former Uruguayan president José Mujica
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva awarded former Uruguayan President José Pepe Mujica the National Order of the Southern Cross. Lula is in Uruguay to participate in the 65th Mercosur Heads of State Summit, set to take place on Friday, Dec. 6.
Lula visited Mujica at the former president's home, referring to him as a “companion.” “Of all the presidents I’ve met, he’s the most extraordinary person,” Lula remarked. Mujica served as Uruguay’s president from 2010 to 2015.
“This medal I’m presenting to Pepe Mujica is not because he was president of Uruguay. It’s because of who he is,” said an emotional Lula. The Uruguayan thanked the Brazilian president for the recognition, stating that he was not a man for awards or medals. “I’m a man of the people. I did what I could for my people. Nothing more. Lula is a friend of many years,” said the 89-year-old former president.
Lula described Mujica as a companion he had personally chosen. Mujica was moved by the Brazilian's words, adding, “We are a rich continent, but with a poor people.” The meeting was also attended by Uruguay's president-elect, Yamandú Orsi.
Summit
At this summit, Bolivia will participate for the first time as a full member of the bloc, which now spans 73 percent of South America's territory and represents approximately 65 percent of the region's population.
During the meeting, Panama will be integrated as an Associated State, becoming the first Central American country to join Mercosur.
