You know I am always happy to come to Brazil. But today feels truly special. Because I know that between us, between our regions and our people, the best is yet to come. Tomorrow we will sign the EU-Mercosur agreement. But before that it was important for me to meet with you, President Lula.
For more than two decades, countless negotiators and their leaders worked on the EU-Mercosur agreement. It was 25 years in the making. And now we concluded it. It is the achievement of a generation. But the political leadership, personal commitment and passion that you have shown in the last weeks and months, dear Lula, are truly second to none. So, muito obrigada for your skilful steer throughout the negotiations. And for delivering this historic agreement. And I also want to thank all the negotiators for their exceptional work over so many years.
The EU-Mercosur agreement sends a powerful message. It says: welcome to the world's biggest market and largest free trade zone on the planet. This is the power of partnership and openness. This is the power of friendship and understanding between peoples and regions across oceans. And this is how we create real prosperity - prosperity that is shared. Because, we agree, that international trade is not a zero-sum game. We are convinced, everyone can and must benefit – in terms of new jobs on both sides, better opportunities for our people and the business sector, and thus higher income. We want a world that is running on trust and teamwork. This is Europe's ambition. And I know this is yours too.
Dear Lula, you are a leader deeply committed to the values we hold dear. Democracy, a rules-based international order, and respect. Respect for our planet, for communities, and for fellow nations. This is the leadership we need in today's world.
Next year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership with Brazil. So this agreement could not be more timely. It will multiply opportunities like never before. With mutual access to strategic markets. Clear, predictable rules. Common standards. And supply chains that become highways for investments. To me, that is the essence of rules-based trade. But our work goes on. The signature tomorrow will be only a first step. The next chapters are still to be written. The whole story will only be a complete success when people and businesses can feel the benefits of our agreement. And this should happen fast. When we deliver, on the EU-Mercosur agreement, this will be a success story written story by 700 million people.
Dear Lula,
I also welcome that Europe and Brazil are moving toward a very important political agreement on critical raw materials. It will frame our cooperation on joint investment projects in lithium, nickel and rare earths. This is key for our digital and clean transitions. And also, for our strategic independence in a world where minerals tend to become an instrument of coercion. Europe's offer will always be different. We will always abide by the highest standards. In terms of transparency. In terms of respect for the environment. And we will always make sure that local communities are the main beneficiaries of the value created. So: everyone benefits. It is a true win-win. Because this is Europe's way of doing business.
Obrigada, Amigo. And as I said: U melhior sta para vir.
