São Paulo – The role of Brazil in global politics will be discussed during the lecture Brazil and its international insertion, South American integration and opportunities, to be delivered by Osmar Chohfi, the vice president of International Relations of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, at 7pm on the 28th of this month at the Chamber’s offices.
“One of the main topics will be South America, a priority geographical area when it comes to our diplomatic work,” says Chohfi, a former Brazilian ambassador in Ecuador and Spain who also had stints at the embassies of Brazil in France, Bolivia, Argentina and Venezuela. He also served as permanent representative of Brazil at the Organization of American States (OAS), in Washington, DC, and as secretary general at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations.
He will address the various organizations and international blocs Brazil is a part of, such as Mercosur, the Union of South American Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa). “I also want to touch on Brazil’s relations with the United Nations, including the UN Security Council,” he says.
According to Chohfi, the political and economic crisis Brazil is experiencing does not detract from the image the country enjoys as a regional leader throughout South America. “Brazil has a leading role, whatever the situation it may be experiencing. You have real, effective power-related factors such as our geographical situation, our population, our economic potential, that ensure that we always have a relevant role within the region,” he asserts.
He notes that domestic crisis will impact on any country’s international status, but Brazil continues to play a relevant role in the region despite its current scenario. “We will always be regarded as an important partner by all countries in the region, and not just in the region. I believe Brazil’s position in the world today is unquestionable, it’s an outstanding role, and there are no major international issues that can be discussed without Brazil being present,” he muses.
The executive stressed the importance of Brazil to the discussion of certain issues on the global political agenda. “I believe Brazil will always play a leading role in international economic negotiations, as well as sustainable development. There is no discussion of sustainable development in the world today without a relevant involvement and contribution from Brazil,” he claims.
Lecture "Brazil and its international insertion, South American integration and opportunities"
October 28th, 7pm
Venue: Arab Chamber offices
Avenida Paulista, 326, 11th floor– Bela Vista district – São Paulo
Free admission for Arab Chamber members. Non-members must pay BRL 100.
For additional information call (+55 11) 3147-4066 or write to members@ccab.org.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
