S\u00e3o Paulo \u2013 The Palestinian minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Riad Malki, visited the offices of the mayor of Foz do Igua\u00e7u, Chico Brasileiro, this Thursday (5). They discussed strengthening ties between the Arab country and the city in the state of Paran\u00e1. Foz do Igua\u00e7u is one of the Brazilian cities with the most significant Palestinian presence, in addition to being sister to Jericho \u2013 one of the major symbols of the Palestinian nation.<\/p>\n
According to information from the City Government of Foz do Igua\u00e7u, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything 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,\u201d said the minister.<\/p>\n
Mayor Chico Brasileiro reaffirmed his commitment to creating public policies for Palestinians to continue to go to Foz do Igua\u00e7u and feel welcomed by the city. Among the proposals to strengthen ties is building a square with elements of Palestinian culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are citizens of Igua\u00e7u and are consolidated in our city; therefore, we want this heritage to be perpetuated to have an increasingly supportive municipality,\u201d pointed out the mayor.<\/p>\n
Sister cities<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 Igua\u00e7u and Jericho<\/strong> in 2012.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 2012, we formalized this partnership, but we already had Foz do Igua\u00e7u 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\u2019s why I always want to come back,\u201d said the ambassador.<\/p>\n 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 Igua\u00e7u.<\/p>\n \u201cPalestine 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,\u201d replied Brasileiro.<\/p>\n International relations<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In addition to visiting the mayor\u2019s office, the Palestinian minister had meetings with the Arab community in Foz do Igua\u00e7u and visited tourist spots, such as the Iguazu Falls and Itaipu Binational hydroelectric plant.<\/p>\n Translated by El\u00fasio Brasileiro<\/strong><\/p>\n