Amorim, leading a trade delegation and officials from 11 ministries, took part in the second meeting of a joint commission between the two countries.
"The fact that I am here with such a large delegation only four months after the inauguration of a new government in Brazil indicates the high priority we give relations with Africa," the Minister told reporters. "The political dimension is very important to us and we want to build our relationship with South Africa to a strategic partnership". Brazil has the second highest population of African descent in the world. This is more than South Africa and second only to Nigeria. "This profoundly influences our culture and we want to make it more of a practical reality. President Lula will be visiting some countries in Southern Africa pretty soon, although I cannot be so impolite as to give details now," he said. South African officials confirmed, however, that Lula would visit South Africa in August.
Amorim arrived on Tuesday after visiting Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola and Sao Tome and Principe. He was due to meet with President Thabo Mbeki before leaving Thursday for Namibia, from where he will return to Brazil.
The Minister said he had spoken with President Robert Mugabe and Foreign Minister Stan Mudenge in Zimbabwe.
"We discussed general matters of economic co-operation and the international situation," he said. "I also got an evaluation from the president and Foreign Minister on the situation in Zimbabwe. It is important for us in Brazil to make our own assessment of the situation by listening directly to those involved". – Sapa.
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