Exclusive: U.S. Bets on Brazil, Extends New Invitation to Rousseff
Exclusive: U.S. Bets on Brazil, Extends New Invitation to Rousseff
"[The U.S. and Brazilian] private sectors are way ahead of the public sectors in terms of integration. A state visit would be a great development", comments AS/COA’s Susan Segal.
(Reuters) - The Obama administration has again invited Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff for a state visit to Washington, a diplomatic breakthrough that both sides hope will lead over time to greater trade between the two biggest economies in the Americas.
Rousseff had originally been scheduled to make a state visit, which involves a black-tie dinner at the White House and is considered the strongest expression of friendly ties between allies, in October 2013.
But the leftist leader canceled her trip after she was angered by revelations that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) spied on her personal communications. She said it was "incompatible" with a relationship among allies....
Meanwhile, Brazilian officials have spoken of a renewed emphasis on trade, especially with the United States, as a way to stir the economy from its recent funk. Its new trade minister, Armando Monteiro, went to Washington in February for his first trip abroad in the job.
"Our countries' private sectors are way ahead of the public sectors in terms of integration," said Susan Segal, president of Council of the Americas. She said a state visit would be "a great development..."
