Sarkozy signs arms deals in Brazil

French president Nicolas Sarkozy is in Brazil, visiting in his capacity both as French leader and as President of the European Union. He will be signing arms deals, and discussing how to boost business between France and Brazil.

EU commission president José Manuel Barroso is joining him in talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva that will focus on the global financial crisis and climate change.

“I am sincere when I say that we need Brazil in the world’s governance,” Sarkozy said. “President Lula knows that this view is not shared by all European countries, so I am speaking not as President of the European Council, but as the President of France. We need Brazil to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and also to help safeguard the planet’s environmental balance.”

The two leaders are expected to sign accords on developing and protecting the Amazon rainforest.
Sarkozy is also set to sign an agreement on the sale of military transport helicopters to Brazil.
France will also help Brazil build a nuclear-powered submarine and provide the technology for four conventional submarines.