Brussels, 30/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 29 October, the Danish Presidency of the EU made the following declaration on behalf of the EU, following the second round of presidential elections in Brazil, on 27 October:
"The EU congratulates Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his victory and wishes him every success in his future task as President of Brazil. The EU reaffirms its commitment to continue its excellent relations with Brazil and to further enhance political dialogue, trade relations and economic links. The EU has confidence in the strength of the Brazilian economy and its potential for further growth and looks forward to working closely with the new Brazilian Government, also with a view to strengthening Mercosur, and reiterates the EU commitment to continue to make further progress in the ongoing EU-Mercosur negotiations."
High Representative Javier Solana made a point of congratulating the outgoing President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, whom, he said, was responsible for the remarkable progress in the relationship between Brazil, Mercosur and the EU during the last eight years.