ayoub mzee with president lula of brazil in london

Mdau Ayoub Mzee, a prominent London-based journalist, poses with President Lula da Silva of Brazil at a function last Friday in London.

By Ayoub Mzee

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is a key driver of stability and integration in Latin America. He is recognized for his leading role in contributing to the resolution of regional crises and for spearheading the UN stabilisation mission in Haiti.

He has also played a central role in establishing the constitutive treaty of the South American Union of Nations (UNASUL) and in enabling Cuba to be integrated as a full member of the Rio Group, which was set up to facilitate political dialogue between Latin American nations.

Under Lula's administration Brazil has become increasingly integrated in the global economy and has worked to foster consensus in multilateral trade and economic forums. President Lula is further recognised for making a major contribution to reducing poverty in Brazil through innovative and responsible economic policies that have maintained fiscal balance and avoided an increase in inflation, in support of the country's democratic commitments and goals.

Lula's remarkable personal trajectory - from humble beginnings to metal worker in São Paulo, charismatic trade union and political leader, and then international statesman - is evidence of his exceptional leadership qualities. It is these qualities that have helped him reinforce cordial relations between Brazil and the rest of the Americas, and indeed with countries worldwide.