"Itaipu is fundamental to the development of Brazil and Paraguay”, says Lula

Today, at the Foz do Iguaçu (Paraná) inauguration of economist Enio Verri as head of Itaipu Binacional’s Brazilian General Board, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended the bolstering of Mercosur; the reorganization of Unasur; the improvement of Brazil’s external relations policy; and the country’s fundamental role in the growth of its neighbors.

According to Lula, a country the size of Brazil, that borders all South American countries except Chile and Ecuador, must combine economic growth and the social progress of its partners – and have the greatness to share its successes with those nearby.

“A rich country surrounded by poor countries is an unimaginable thing. Brazil – as the elder brother of South American countries – is responsible for making other countries grow accordingly, so that we may all live in a peaceful, tranquil continent, and never repeat the ignorant gesture of war,” said the president, emphasizing that a leader must always show fraternity and humanism.

During the event – which was also attended by the President of Paraguay Mário Abdo Benítez –, Lula mentioned the bilateral agreement concerning Itaipu and stated that the treaty that governs relations between the two countries will be renegotiated to satisfy both sides, towards continued and harmonious relations in the region.

“I’m quite sure that the new treaty will take both countries’ realities – as well as the respect Brazil has for its ally, our dear Paraguay – into account,” he said, highlighting that the partnership is a civilizing agreement and proves that binational treaties that benefit all of those involved are indeed possible. “The treaty will be extremely beneficial to the development of Paraguay and Brazil – and to the warm relationship between their people.”

SOCIAL ROLE – The president also stressed that Itaipu’s role goes way beyond energy generation, since it is capable of boosting growth and reducing inequalities in the region and throughout Brazil.

“Itaipu must consider that it has to contribute to the development of both Brazil and Paraguay. It’s not just about selling energy. Some of the money that the company makes must be shared with society, so that society receives the benefits it has to receive,” said Lula, highlighting that the plant can be used to produce green hydrogen and generate even more wealth.

Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre da Silveira also emphasized that the water discharged by Itaipu can potentially be used to generate green hydrogen. To Silveira, Brazil’s reconstruction is well underway and the results are beginning to show. Silveira noted Itaipu’s symbolism to Brazil’s energy security; to the generation of jobs and income; and to clean energy.

The new general director Enio Verri, in turn, highlighted Itaipu’s strategic role in the development and production of clean, renewable energy. The state-owned company will once again collaborate with the Brazilian federal government’s social programs, he said.

THE REVIVAL OF UNILA – Lula also pledged to resume investments in the Federal University for Latin American Integration ( Universidade Federal da Integração Latino-Americana /Unila), an institution that receives students from Brazil and other South American countries. The president also repeated that he has returned to the Presidency to do even more and even better – and to recover Brazilian people’s right to walk with their heads held high and believe in the future.

SOLIDARITY – Lula also met with the family of Marcelo Arruda, a police officer who was the victim of political violence in Foz do Iguaçu last year. “He was murdered by the unacceptable hatred of a coward. I offer all my solidarity to his wife, Pâmela Silva, and their children, who will carry on their father’s memory and pride,” he said.