Lula: Newly discovered oil is Brazil’s “passport to the future”

Brazilian President Lula said on the 17th that the oil discovered recently in the sea near the mouth of the Amazon River in northern Brazil is the country's "passport to the future." Lula made these remarks after visiting a drilling ship belonging to Petrobras. On the 14th, Petrobras announced that hydrocarbon compounds had been detected during exploratory drilling about 180 kilometers off the coast of Amapá state in northern Brazil, indicating the possible presence of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Wearing an orange oil worker uniform, Lula showcased a sample of oil contained in a small glass bottle: "I have to put it in the box. It's really good, and it smells nice." Lula emphasized that while he called the newly discovered oil Brazil’s “passport to the future,” it does not mean he is overturning his previous pledge that Brazil is “committed to one day no longer needing fossil fuels.” “Brazil will continue to be the king of biofuel innovation, and will remain a major participant in the field of renewable energy.” (Xinhua News Agency)