The British leader was visiting Brasilia to discuss next week's G20 summit, which is being held in London.

 

In a joint statement issued after their meeting in the country's capital, Brown and Lula pledged to work closely together during the build-up to London 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, which is being staged in Brazil.

 

Besides Rio's bid for the 2016 Olympics, England are the favourites to follow Brazil and host the 2018 World Cup.

 

The statement said: "The President and the Prime Minister noted the growing sporting links between the two countries, particularly those associated with using sport to improve social inclusion.

 

"Brazil and the UK agreed to continue to work closely on sporting links in the light of London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014, Rio’s bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016, and England’s bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

 

"The Leaders welcomed the commitments to create a lasting legacy for the Olympics 2012 and the launch of the ‘International Inspirations’ programme, led by the UK Sports Council, the British Council, and UNICEF and supported by the International Olympic Committee and the FA Premier League, which would help transform the lives of millions of young people through sport.

 

"The Leaders welcomed the launch last year of the programme in Brazil."

 

A number of leading figures in Britain have backed Rio's bid recently.

 

The Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell met with bid officials, including its president Carlos Nuzman, during a visit to Rio last November.

 

Earlier this month, the British Olympic Association's director of elite performance, Sir Clive Woodward, was also shown Rio's plans when he travelled to Brazil and said how impressed he was with them.

 

Lula is expected to visit the Olympic Park in London next week during his visit to Britain and also hold talks with 2012 officials, including the chairman Sebastian Coe. 

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