The President defended the country’s decision to maintain trade ties with Russia to ensure food production…reports Asian Lite News
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reiterated his opposition to economic sanctions against Russia, in order to retain the supply of Russian fertiliser imports to Brazilian agribusiness.
“We are not going to adhere to sanctions (against Russia). We maintain a balanced position because without Brazil’s balance on this issue today, we would not have fertilisers for our agribusiness,” Bolsonaro said on Monday during the Global Agribusiness Forum 2022 in the city of Sao Paulo.
The President defended the country’s decision to maintain trade ties with Russia to ensure food production, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Without fertilisers, our guarantee of food security and that of 1 billion people in the world would be threatened,” he added.
Bolsonaro also said that in December 2021 his government decided to expand the national fertiliser programme in search of alternatives to imports.
Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, is the world’s leading soybean producer and the world’s leading exporter of animal protein.
Meanwhile, Bolsonaro has officially announced his intent to seek re-election and named Walter Souza Braga Netto, the former Minister of Defense, as his running mate for Vice President.
In his announcement on Sunday, Bolsonaro highlighted his role in improving the agricultural sector and the growth of infrastructure, with the building of highways and railways, reports Xinhua news agency.
According to the latest data released by Datafolha poll in June, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva takes the lead with 47 per cent of the vote, followed by Bolsonaro with 28 per cent.
The left-wing Workers’ Party (PT) officially nominated Lula on July 21, while left-of-centre candidate Ciro Gomes, running in a distant third, was nominated by the Democratic Labor Party (PDT) the previous day.
As of August 16, candidates can officially start campaigning online and in public spaces until the day before the october 2 election.
In case no candidate wins 50 per cent of the valid votes, a run-off is scheduled for October 30.