This similarity of positions concerns above all the need to build a more democratic international system that gives full measure of consideration to the interests of new centres of economic and political influence and preserves the central role of the United Nations.
In a joint declaration, Dmitry Medvedev and Luis Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed the dialogue within the BRIC group (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and stressed the group’s importance for the joint search for solutions for global problems. The two Presidents also expressed their support for the plan to hold the BRIC group’s first summit in Russia in 2009.
The two Presidents declared their intent to build a partnership in the area of developing new technology, and strengthen cooperation in the defence and space sectors. Mr Medvedev said that Russia and Brazil can build a successful technological alliance, and that these plans could be carried out very soon.
The two Presidents welcomed the signature of an agreement abolishing visa requirements for short-term visits by Russian and Brazilian citizens and said this would give a great boost to developing contacts between the two countries.