German Chancellor Angela Merkel visits to Brazil

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is making a quick trip to boost ties with Brazil.

She plans to meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and also with German business representatives before heading back home on Thursday.

In an emailed statement, the Brazilian government says it hopes Merkel's visit will help Brazil strengthen economic relations with Germany and Europe and open more markets in the region.

The two governments say talks will cover cooperation in technology, science, development, trade, finance and education, as well as environmental protection. But they haven't released specifics.