Argentina calls for greater integration with Brazil

Argentinian Defense Minister Arturo Puricelli said here Tuesday that all South American countries must do more to strengthen the integration with regional giant Brazil."The integration with Brazil and with all South America is a central issue" for Argentina, said Puricelli at a conference on regional integration in South America. "It is necessary for our region to have a voice in the world where decisions are being taken," he said, adding that to achieve this "the South American countries have to approach and act on behalf of all of us" as a unified region. Puricelli, who was accompanied by the Brazilian ambassador in Argentina Enio Cordeiro, also said that "in the Defense Ministry we are working with much harmony with Brazil." The Argentine minister said both countries currently are working together to adopt common policies on how to manage and tackle a number of economic issues. "The more we get to know each other, the more we can learn from Brazil, the easier these relations will be," said Puricelli, adding that "We will always be more capable and stronger if we act together." Cordeiro, meanwhile, said that South American countries need to create a regional vision of their political, economic and social development. "The vitality of the South American integration is very strong. This is what will give our opinions weight and respect in the world," he said.