The third Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) commenced today in Lima, Peru. Ministers from twelve Latin American countries and 12 countries from North Africa and Middle East countries will meet for two days to discuss ways to cooperate together.
Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff called on Latin American and Arab countries to work together against poverty and inequality.
“The future of our regions depends on our ability to develop and cooperate, strongly investing in education, science, technology and expansion and innovation to guarantee the security of food and energy, important issues in the 21st century,” President Rouseff said.
The ASPA website explains the similarities between the regions saying, “The paths of history are converging as both regions share the same interest in economic and social progress, environmental preservation and intercultural dialogue as a means to create sustainable development and build world peace for all”.
President Rouseff spoke about the situation in Syria. “Brazil is in favor of a negotiated settlement to resolve the conflict,” she said. She spoke about Iraq and Libya stating that Brazil wants to contribute to the reconstruction of those countries, but she knows it is up to those countries themselves.
In addition to the summit, there is the third ASPA Business Meeting innagurated by Peruvian President Ollanta Humala and Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil el-Arabi.
