Putin-Rousseff bilateral talks today in Brasilia
July 14, 2014, 5:30 am

Putin (right) and Rousseff in a ceremonial handover of host duties for soccer’s marquee tournament, which takes place in Russia in 2018 [PPIO]

Putin will hold bilateral talks with Rousseff in the capital Brasilia on Monday ahead of the 6^th BRICS Leaders Summit on 15^th and 16^th July.

Brazil and Russia will sign a raft of cooperation agreements in energy, investment, innovation, agriculture, science and technology.

“We plan to sign a large package of documents relating to a variety of industries, including between specialised agencies, public and private companies, and research and educational institutions,’ said Putin.

Before leaving Moscow for his Latin American trip, Putin said Moscow would put its weight behind Brazil’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

“I am sure that this powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order,” he said in a joint interview to Latin American and Russian media.

Over the last ten years, bilateral trade has grown almost three-fold and reached $5.5 billion in 2013.

Russia’s Rosneft and the Brazilian HRT oil and gas company are jointly exploring and producing hydrocarbons in the Solimões river basin.

In the state of Santa Catarina, the Russian Power Machines corporation is setting up production of hydro turbines of up to 100 MW for their subsequent delivery to the markets of Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries.

Putin and Rousseff could also discuss cyber-security after leaks by former US National Security Agency contractor Edwards Snowden blew the lid off a mass surveillance program sanctioned by the US government.

Many Latin American leaders, including the Brazilian President were angered by the revelations of wide-spread spying in their countries. Rousseff had subsequently canceled a state visit to the US. Brazil then co-drafted the “right to privacy” resolution with Germany, which has been passed by the UN rights committee.

Putin criticized what he called the “overt hypocrisy in relationships between allies and partners” when it came to cyber-espionage.

TBP