BRASILIA, Brazil, May 10 (UPI) -- South American and Arab leaders convened in Brazil Tuesday for the first day of a summit focusing on bolstering trade and diplomatic goals.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened the summit saying the nations had common goals for commercial and social development.
"We want to enjoy and realize our potential to reach the common objectives of South America and the Arab world," he said.
Lula also called on the nations to combat poverty and hunger in both regions.
Economics is the main focus of the summit and representatives arriving in Brasilia Monday expressed a desire to increase trade between South America and the Arab world.
Brazil's Foreign Ministry estimates the two regions did about $10 billion in bilateral trade last year.
