Argentina and Brazil sign agreements on economic integration

Alberto Fernandez, the president of Argentina, said in a statement following the signing ceremony, "I am certain that a new period of strategic relations for decades to come will begin with the signing of these agreements."

In response to a question from a reporter, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that discussions on proposals to establish a common regional currency, which have been revived since he took office, are intended to lessen the region's reliance on the dollar and facilitate trade.

"Why not attempt to unify the currencies of the Mercosur nations? I believe it will happen eventually. It must occur since certain nations find it challenging to purchase dollars," explained Lula da Silva.

source: reuters.com