Brazilian President Honors Former PM Manmohan Singh's Influence on Global Cooperation
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Brasilia, Dec 27 (NationPress) Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed profound admiration for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reminiscing about his instrumental role in the formation of the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Dialogue Forum and the BRICS coalition.
"My heartfelt condolences on the loss of my friend, former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. We were both in governance during the early years of the 21st century and collaborated to enhance relations between our nations and construct a more equitable world," the Brazilian President stated on X on Thursday (early Friday, India time).
Extending his sincere sympathy to the Indian populace, Lula fondly recalled his discussions with the former PM, which primarily centered around developmental issues pertinent to both nations.
"Singh was a crucial figure in the establishment of IBSA, uniting Brazil, South Africa, and India, and in the inception of BRICS. In 2012, after my presidency, we convened in New Delhi and engaged in extensive conversations about development, poverty alleviation, hunger, and collaboration in the Global South," he remarked.
During a visit to Brazil in 2006, Manmohan Singh characterized his trip as a "voyage of discovery" aimed at uncovering the vast potential for expanding cooperative endeavors between the two nations.
"We must strive to establish a new international framework that is both more just and inclusive for developing nations. In this endeavor, it is immensely beneficial for us to have distinguished leaders like President Lula. I am grateful to you, Mr. President, for your contributions," Dr. Singh had remarked in praise of Lula back then.
In November 2012, after Lula's presidency, the government led by Dr. Singh honored the Brazilian leader with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2010.
"The India-Brazil partnership underwent a significant transformation during President Lula's leadership. However, for both of us, this relationship transcended mere agreements. We shared a conviction that, despite being separated by vast oceans, we were bonded by common values, challenges, and aspirations, uniquely positioned to collaborate for a better world. His steadfast belief in the capacity and significance of IBSA was a reflection of that vision," Singh emphasized during the ceremony honoring Lula.
