São Paulo – The Council of Arab Ambassadors in Brazil offered a luncheon in honor of Brazilian minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, at Palestine’s embassy in Brasília this Monday (9). According to the council’s dean and Palestine’s ambassador, Ibrahim Alzeben, the purpose was to express “gratitude, affection and appreciation” for the work of Brazilian diplomacy in the relations with the Arab countries.
“All the Arab countries [with diplomatic representations in Brasília] were in attendance in the luncheon, which reflects the appreciation of them all for Brazil”, said Alzeben. He underscored also the presence of several organizations of Arab origin in the country, such as the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, represented by its CEO, Michel Alaby.
Vieira planted a tree in the embassy’s garden, a seedling of ipê amarelo (Caribbean Trumpet Tree), which, according to Alzeben, symbolizes the good relations between Brazil and Palestine. “We want these relations to grow, to increasingly take roots, flourish and bear fruits”, emphasized the ambassador. He added that the FM reiterated Brazil’s support to Palestine’s independence.
Last week, Vieira had held a luncheon in honor of Arab ambassadors at Itamaraty, the Foreign Ministry seat. According to Alzeben, this Monday’s event served also to return the courtesy.
Alaby spoke on the minister’s qualities, calling him a great diplomat and negotiator, emphasizing the trips he took to the Arab world. Since he took office in the beginning of 2015, Vieira visited Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
The foreign minister received as a gift a mother-of-pearl picture with the image of two white doves. “It’s the symbol of our desire for peace to Brazil and the Arab countries, which we very much need”, concluded Alzeben.
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
