São Paulo – The ambassador of Brazil to Damascus, Syria, André Santos, visited the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) headquarters in São Paulo this Friday (15). Santos said he aims to promote the dissemination of Syrian culture to strengthen ties. “With greater knowledge and cultural acceptance of Syria in Brazil, everything else will follow, like commercial relations and exports,” he said (pictured above, Chohfi [L] presenting a gift to Santos[R]).
Santos was received by the ABCC president, Osmar Chohfi, secretary-general & CEO, Tamer Mansour, and Institutional Relations advisor, Bassel Abouf Latif. Trade exchanges between the two countries were also a topic at the meeting due to the possibility of expanding exports and imports. In 2022, Brazil exported USS 15.9 million to Syria, mainly coffee. On the other hand, the South American country imported USD 3.9 million, particularly phosphates.
Chohfi said receiving ambassadors at the ABCC shows the institution is available to diplomats to promote and bring about business, social initiatives, and commercial exchanges. “In the context of the cooperation the ABCC seeks to have with government authorities in Brazil’s relationship with Arab countries, we are always pleased to welcome [diplomats]. It is important for us and for them in their roles,” he said. “Especially today, we received ambassador Santos, who is in Syria, a country with which Brazil has a long-standing relationship, including the representation of the Syrian community in Brazilian society,” said Chohfi.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
