MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Preparing for the Arab-South American summit

The organization of the coming summit between leaders from Arab countries and South America scheduled to be held in Brazil was the main issue in the Arab League's chairman Amr Mussa visit to Brazil.

According to the Brazilian news agency relations between both sides could evolve toward the creation in the future of a free trade zone.

"Trade and Commerce ministers and experts held talks", revealed Mr. Massa who said that the Arab League beginning this year agreed to the creation of a free trade zone which already includes 18 of the 22 countries of the League.

"I believe that current agreements and a legal framework can contribute to the strengthening of both blocks, Arab and South American, trade and economic relations", added Mr. Mussa.

Brazil has close links with the Arab world since an estimated twelve million between immigrants and descendents live in the country.