Brasilia: UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has attended the summit of the Council of the South American Common Market (Mercosur), held in the Brazilian city of Foz Do Iguacu.

Shaikh Abdullah took part as a representative of the GCC, the presidency of which is currently held by the UAE.

Shaikh Abdullah met at the summit's sidelines with Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim who welcomed him in his second visit to Brazil.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on current regional and international issues. They also agreed to proceed with talks on Free Trade Agreement between the GCC and Mercosur.

Shaikh Abdullah also met separately with President Desi Bouterse of Surinam, Argentinean Foreign Minister Hector Timerman and Brazilian Minister of Development, Industry Image and Trade Miguel Jorge.