(March 9, 2007)—President Bush is in Brazil for the signing of an ethanol agreement Friday.

It's a deal he sees as a way to boost production of alternative fuels in the Americas, and get more cars running on something other than gasoline.

Mr. Bush said increasing alternative fuel use will lead to more jobs, a cleaner environment and greater independence from the whims of the oil market.

In Brazil, nearly eight in 10 new cars already run on fuel made from sugar cane.

"It makes sense for us to collaborate for the sake of mankind," Mr. Bush said during a joint news conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"We see the bright and real potential for our citizens being able to use alternative sources of energy that will promote the common good,” he said.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Brazilian counterpart signed an energy agreement between the two countries Friday morning.

Mr. Bush's focus on energy during the first stop on his eighth trip to Latin America comes as the president's nemesis in the region, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, is using his vast oil wealth to court allies.

The president’s trip also includes visits to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico.

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