São Paulo – The Palestinian minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riad Malki, visited the offices of the mayor of Foz do Iguaçu, Chico Brasileiro, this Thursday (5). They discussed strengthening ties between the Arab country and the city in the state of Paraná. Foz do Iguaçu is one of the Brazilian cities with the most significant Palestinian presence, in addition to being sister to Jericho – one of the major symbols of the Palestinian nation.
According to information from the City Government of Foz do Iguaçu, the minister said the city has memorable landscapes that make a unique visit experience. In addition to natural beauties, Malki pointed out that an increasingly solid alliance with the city also represents a rapprochement with the Federal Government of Brazil.
“Everything delights us here. With changes taking place, we feel it will be possible to establish ties in the areas of culture, sport, science, and other sectors that could only gain from this exchange of experiences between us,” said the minister.
Mayor Chico Brasileiro reaffirmed his commitment to creating public policies for Palestinians to continue to go to Foz do Iguaçu and feel welcomed by the city. Among the proposals to strengthen ties is building a square with elements of Palestinian culture.
“They are citizens of Iguaçu and are consolidated in our city; therefore, we want this heritage to be perpetuated to have an increasingly supportive municipality,” pointed out the mayor.
Sister cities
The visit was also attended by the ambassador of Palestine to Brazil, Ibrahim Alzeben, who recalled the long-standing relationship between the city and the Arab country, which was consolidated with the sistering between Foz do Iguaçu and Jericho in 2012.
“In 2012, we formalized this partnership, but we already had Foz do Iguaçu as a very important city for us. A place that welcomes us, understands our issues, and is willing to contribute to our cause. I feel very comfortable here, and that’s why I always want to come back,” said the ambassador.
Riyad Malki received the honor of Official Guest of the Municipality from mayor Chico Brasileiro. The minister returned the invitation and said he was prepared to receive an official delegation from the Brazilian government in Palestine led by Foz do Iguaçu.
“Palestine can count on Brazil and will always count on us. Visiting this important place would help us to understand even more the reality of the Palestinian people so we can help with whatever we can. It would be an honor for our entire city,” replied Brasileiro.
International relations
The meeting between the authorities was organized by the Board of International Affairs, led by director Jihad Abu Ali, and also had the presence of the secretary of Administration, Nilton Bobato, author of books on Palestine and researcher on the subject, and the secretary of Public Security, Marcos Antonio Jahnke.
In addition to visiting the mayor’s office, the Palestinian minister had meetings with the Arab community in Foz do Iguaçu and visited tourist spots, such as the Iguazu Falls and Itaipu Binational hydroelectric plant.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
