São Paulo – The Council of Brazilian Citizens in Egypt was formalized in November last year by the Brazilian ambassador to Cairo, Antonio Patriota, and has already held three meetings to date. According to councilor Tatiana Hafez, it works as a bridge between the Brazilian Embassy in Cairo and the Brazilian community in the Arab country. An embassy representative informed that, for the time being, the Council operates informally, but once consolidated, it will be institutionalized.
At the Council, the community has the opportunity to present complaints and suggestions to the embassy, some of which have already been implemented. Initiatives for the benefit of the community are also articulated, such as aid campaigns and consular assistance support. The Council also intends to organize cultural events for the community.
The board members are, in addition to Hafez, Elaine Magossi, Elias Pereira dos Santos, Paulo Dall’Aqua, Rodrigo Gratacós Brum, Samir Semman (an Egyptian naturalized Brazilian), and Sandra Fadel. The Council meets every three months, and the seven councilors were appointed to represent different sectors of society, such as business and culture.
Tatiana Hafez has been living in Egypt for 18 years. According to her, this council structure already exists in several other countries. It is an attempt to have a formal organization and serve as a bridge between community issues and our country’s diplomatic service,” she said. The Brazilian community in Egypt currently has around two thousand people. Hafez said Brazilians are organized and have WhatsApp groups divided by neighborhoods and regions.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
