RIO DE JANEIRO, March 11 (Xinhua) -- British Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, arrived in Brazil on Wednesday for a four-day official visit that will mainly focus on environmental subjects.

Britain's Prince Charles (1st, L) shakes hands with Brazil's President Lula da Silva during a welcoming ceremony in Brasilia, Brazil, March 11, 2009. Britain's Prince Charles and his wife started their visit to Brazil on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Agencia Brasil) Photo Gallery>>>

    During the trip, the prince will meet with officials and business leaders to discuss issues of climate change, global warming, sustainable development and the deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest region, local media said.

    The royal couple met with House of Representatives President Michel Temer and Senate President Jose Sarney in Brazilia, and will meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva late Wednesday. He will also attend a state dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Celso Amorim.

    On Thursday, the royal couple will head to Rio, where the prince is expected to announce a partnership between his charity, Youth Business International (YBI), and local NGO Conexao. The YBI now operates in 37 countries to help young people start up in business.

    The royal couple will then head to Amazon jungle cities of Manaus and Santarem to visit poor communities.

    It is Charles' forth official visit to Brazil. His previous visits took place in 1978, 1991 and 2002 respectively.

    After Brazil, the royal couple will head to Ecuador.