Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Trinidad and Tobago's Primer Minister Patrick Manning signed an agreement on Wednesday, calling for oil companies in both countries to cooperate to explore oil and gas in Trinidad and Tobago.

The agreement includes an assessment of refinery projects in Trinidad and Tobago, promotion and commercialization of refined products, development of ethanol and bio-diesel projects, application of gas-related new technologies and expansion of the gas industry.

In his speech, Lula said the bilateral ties could serve as a bridge between the Caribbean and South America. He described Trinidad and Tobago as "almost a South American country" concerning its productivity and energy storage.

"The regional integration is facilitated by an economic and trade agreement between the Common Market of the South and the Caribbean Community," said Lula.

Lula said he would host a summit between South American and Caribbean countries in December, after the biannual meeting of the Common Market of the South.

The regional integration, promoted by the Union of South American Nations, should be expanded to Central America and the Caribbean, he said.

Lula welcomed Manning on his first visit to the country at Itamaraty Palace, the headquarters of Brazil's Foreign Ministry.


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