Brazilian President Starts Official Visit To Russia

Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso arrived in Moscow for a four-day official visit on Sunday. both nations hope this visit will boost trade ties and foster a new strategic partnership. "Stability in Europe and Asia is dependent on Russia to a big degree," Cardoso was quoted as saying. "Brazil, a country that plays a strategic role in South America, believes it is essential to maintain a partnership with a global power like Russia." Cardoso was scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The two leaders are expected to sign an extradition treaty and a joint declaration on cultural, educational and sports exchanges. Cardoso and Putin were also expected to discuss the global fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, international financial systems and the financial crisis in Argentina. Cardoso is to leave Moscow for the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Wednesday, the Russia Journal reported.