Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso paid a brief visit to the United Kingdom on 27 and 28 October 2001, accepting a last minute invitation by British Prime Minister Tony Blair for a private meeting. The two leaders met at Chequers, Buckinghamshire, and were joined by former American President Bill Clinton.
During the meeting Blair and Cardoso had the opportunity to discuss current global affairs issues such as the ongoing international campaign against terrorism, the forthcoming World Trade Organization meeting in Doha and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Speaking to the press before departing for France, President Cardoso stated that during the meeting they had agreed on the need for immediate reform of the UN Security Council so that the "fate of countries is not decided by a small group of nations, as it is today". According to the Brazilian President, Blair and Clinton are also in favour of a greater level of openness in world markets. "We have to send a strong signal at the WTO meeting in Doha, of our willingness to give developing countries greater market access," said Cardoso.
After his short visit to Chequers, President Cardoso flew to France to resume his official trip to Europe, which also included Spain. In Paris, he met with Prime Minister Leonel Jospin and President Jacques Chirac, and delivered a speech at the French National Assembly, the first by a Latin American President. Before visiting the UK, President Cardoso went to Madrid, where he met with Prime Minister Jose María Aznar and King Juan Carlos. He also participated in the Madrid Conference on Democratic Transition and Consolidation.
28 October 2001