Bush Visit to Brazil Gets Official Welcome and Jeers on the Streets

The Brazilian government is preparing for the upcoming visit to Brazil by the President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his entourage. Bush is expected to arrive in Brasília tonight and stay until Sunday, November 6.

Bush is coming at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The two plan to meet on Sunday, in the morning and early afternoon, at the Torto Farm [the presidential grange on the outskirts of the federal capital].

The Brazilian government regards the visit as important, informed the undersecretary of political affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Relations, Antônio Patriota.

"We hope that it will be a very important visit to renew the bilateral relationship, which is at a favorable juncture," he stated.

According to Patriota, a joint communiqué should be issued at the end of the encounter. Among the topics that should come up for discussion are the reinforcement of cooperation instruments in the areas of science and technology, education, environment, and health, and measures for the promotion of racial equality.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the United States is Brazil's single most important trade partner, receiving nearly a fifth of what Brazil exports.

Bush's visit to Brasília bodes changes in the city's routine. One of the largest security schemes on record is being mounted in the federal capital. Altogether, over 600 members of the Brazilian Federal Police, the FBI, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force will be involved. Agents from the US Secret Service and the Brazilian Intelligence Department will also participate in what is being dubbed Operation America.

Protests against the US government are also expected. "Naturally, like every host who receives a foreign guest, we are worried about making sure that the visit occurs under acceptable circumstances. However, demonstrations in Brazil are usually peaceful, a natural expression of democracy," Patriota affirmed. According to the undersecretary, the demonstrations should be handled naturally, not as a cause of concern.