São Paulo – An Araucaria tree whose seed came from Brazil’s Paraná state was planted last week at Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik (Usek) to mark the 70th anniversary of Lebanon’s diplomatic ties with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay.
The seed was brought to the country in 2003 by the director of Usek’s Center for Latin American Studies and Cultures (Cecal-Usek), where it was planted in a pot at his household until 2004, when it was transplanted into the gardens of the residence of Mona Khoury, the former vice consul of Brazil in Lebanon. Since the plant was already two-feet tall, it was donated to the university for the celebration.
The planting of the tree was attended by Usek authorities and diplomats from the countries involved. According to Khatlab, the action was intended to symbolize Lebanon’s friendship with Latin America.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
