This gesture was reciprocal, since earlier at the same meeting, Hasina Wajed had invited Lula to visit Bangladesh, which has a population of 170 million who are passionate about soccer and the Brazilian national team.

Sources close to the meeting pointed out that both leaders talked about the two countries’ social policies in the fight against poverty, and about trade issues.

Bangladesh imports meat, oil, sugar and cotton and is seeking a trade agreement with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

The Prime Minister congratulated the Brics countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and Russia) for the summit held in South Africa, which she considered a milestone for cooperation among the developing nations, and reiterated Bangladesh’s candidacy to join the group.

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