BRASILIA (Brazil) - THE presidents of Brazil and the Philippines have promised to avoid resorting to protectionist trade measures and say they will work together to develop alternative energy sources.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made their pledges on Wednesday as they signed mutual cooperation agreements in the fields of bio-energy and agriculture.

In a joint statement, the two presidents say they will work to increase bilateral trade, which surpassed US$1 billion (S$1.48 billion) in 2008. -- AP