São Paulo – The minister of Information of Syria, Mohsen Bilal, praised on Tuesday (4) the unity and tolerance of the Brazilian people. "Brazil is an example. It is almost a continent and represents a true human laboratory, an excellent example for the whole world," he said. "Here, there are all colours, living in equality and respect. I see no religious, sect, ethnic or colour dispute, as there is a point in common throughout society, which is Brazilian citizenship," he added, in an address in Spanish, during a dinner offered in his honour by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce at the Syrian Sports Club, in São Paulo.
The minister came to Brazil to attend the inauguration of president Dilma Rousseff, on Saturday, in Brazilian capital Brasília. "I was honoured to represent my country in this historic inauguration," he said. Bilal praised former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who, according to him, "is currently a symbol for the whole world", and qualified president Rousseff as a "fighter" who contributed to provide a dignified life to the people of Brazil and to make the country respected. "Mabrouk, congratulaciones, felicidades (congratulations) for the speedy emancipation of the Brazilian people," said the minister, celebrating the nation in Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese.
He also pointed out the peaceful posture of Brazil in the face of conflict and added that the country "is a firm candidate to become a permanent member in the United Nations (UN) Security Council", a position sought by the government of Brazil. "Brazil does not believe in atomic weapons, neither in destruction, nor in the use of force," he declared.
In the same line, the Marketing vice president at the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Rubens Hannun, who spoke in the name of the organisation, pointed out that Brazil and Syria, despite unique, "are similar in their central importance in their respective regions," as well as being united by ties of immigration. To him, one of the main legacies Brazil has granted to immigrants was "their fully fledged integration, respect and admiration to them and an affluent and influential ethnic reserve, which, why not, results in an Arab Brazil."
Hannun recalled that, since the previous visit by the minister to Brazil, in 2007, contacts between representatives of the public and private sector in both countries have been intensified. He mentioned concrete examples of actions promoted in the period, especially after the visit of Syrian president Bashar Al Assad to Brazil, in 2010, among them the creation of the Brazil-Syria Business Council and the agreement established by the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital, of São Paulo, and Damascus University, in the area of liver transplant, which, in fact, is the area of specialization of Bilal, who is a doctor.
He pointed out the moment of economic growth and stability that Brazil is living and added that, if the country continues growing at an average of 4.5% to 5% a year over the next 15 years, its Gross Domestic product should double in the period. Hannun pointed out the great investment to take place in coming years for the production of oil in the pre-salt layer, the promotion of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro.
"We would greatly appreciate Syria joining this effort for construction of a new Brazil. On our side, we make ourselves available to continue collaborating with the development of Syria and other Arab nations," said the Arab Brazilian Chamber vice president.
He explained that in February, during the 3rd Summit of South American-Arab Countries, in Lima, Peru, the Arab/South American Federation of Chambers of Commerce will be officially inaugurated, adding that the Arab Brazilian Chamber is especially engaged in the construction of the São Paulo Arab Culture House. "The official engagement of the government of Syrian in this work will be greatly appreciated," he said.
Hannun also spoke about the "greater and greater attractiveness that Syria exerts for promotion of business and the efforts made by his government to improve this contemporary Syrian characteristic, that of a nation good for investment, trade and tourism."
"We are sure that president Dilma Rousseff should expand the possibilities of the South America-Arab Nations and also the Brazil-Syria axes, progressing with negotiations for celebration of a free trade agreement between Syria and the Mercosur," he declared. The South American bloc and the government of Syria signed a framework agreement during the last Mercosur Summit, in December, to trigger these talks.
The dinner brought together politicians, diplomats, businessmen, religious authorities and representatives of the Arab-Brazilian community. Arab Brazilian Chamber secretary general Michel Alaby was the master of ceremonies.
*Translated by Mark Ament
