![\"Meeting](\"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/para-fiepa-1024x682.jpg\")
Par\u00e1 is the largest producer of a\u00e7a\u00ed in Brazil and has a broad economic base, ranging from the supply of cosmetics made with Amazon-sourced ingredients to beef and fish production, among other products and sectors. In addition, the state will host this year\u2019s most important global climate summit\u2014COP30\u2014bringing together leaders from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a state that produces inputs somewhat different from those we\u2019re used to exporting to Arab countries,\u201d said Mohamad Mourad, Vice President of International Relations & Secretary-General of the ABCC, in an interview with ANBA after taking part in the mission. He pointed out that Lebanon\u2014a country not among the top Arab destinations of Brazilian exports\u2014is, for example, the fourth-largest Arab buyer of goods from Par\u00e1. \u201cPar\u00e1 has a different profile and still holds many export opportunities for other products,\u201d Mourad said.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Arab](\"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/para-governador-1-1024x682.jpg\")
The broad economic profile of the state of Par\u00e1 and the city of Bel\u00e9m was presented to the Arab diplomats in meetings with Governor Helder Barbalho and Mayor Igor Normando. During a seminar at industry group FIEPA, the ambassadors also had the opportunity to learn about the state\u2019s productive sectors through various organizations and unions. \u201cWe had meetings with important sectors with which we envision possibilities for exchange,\u201d said Ibrahim Alzeben, dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Brazil and Palestinian ambassador in Bras\u00edlia, in an interview with ANBA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the ambassadors\u2019 meeting with Normando, the name of Par\u00e1\u2019s capital\u2014which also refers to Bethlehem in Palestine\u2014was discussed. In the meeting, Alzeben expressed his happiness about the connection and mentioned the possibility of Par\u00e1\u2019s Bel\u00e9m establishing sister city agreements with Arab municipalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A place for COP30<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn addition to the economic exchange opportunities with the state, the hosting of COP30 in Bel\u00e9m was also a central topic of the mission. The conference was the subject of discussions between the ambassadors and local interlocutors, including representatives from the COP30 Committee. The diplomats were also able to see the conference preparations firsthand by visiting Parque da Cidade, where the event will take place in November. \u201cIt\u2019s a massive project being carried out day and night to ensure the success of COP30,\u201d reported the dean and ambassador Alzeben to ANBA.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Diplomats](\"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/para-prefeito-1-1024x683.jpg\")
Diplomats met with the mayor of Bel\u00e9m<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAlzeben is keen to emphasize that hosting COP30 is important not only for Par\u00e1. \u201cYour success is our success\u2014it is for the good and future of humanity as a whole,\u201d the diplomat said during the meeting with Governor Barbalho. \u201cWe also thank the Brazilian government, and President Lula, who, with a forward-looking vision, directed efforts to make Bel\u00e9m the host of this international gathering. It\u2019s a vision that concerns not only the progress of Bel\u00e9m and Brazil but of all humanity,\u201d Alzeben told ANBA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alzeben highlighted the efforts made by both the state and federal governments for COP30 and expressed no doubt about the conference\u2019s success, which will host dozens of heads of state and hundreds of delegations. After touring the park\u2019s infrastructure and learning about initiatives such as the construction of a hotel to accommodate authorities, cruise ships that will host conference participants, the planned school holiday in the city, and the airport renovation, among other details, Alzeben said the conference is in good hands. \u201cOur authorities and delegates will be well accommodated to fulfill the main objective of this conference,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Barbalho](\"https:\/\/anba.com.br\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/para-governador-2-1024x682.jpg\")
Barbalho (L) exchanging gifts with Dean Alzeben (R)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe ambassadors also met with representatives from Brazil’s state-run agricultural center Embrapa during their trip to Par\u00e1 and toured the facilities the research institution is preparing for COP30. Embrapa will play an important role in the conference, showcasing the sustainability and resilience of Brazilian agriculture through laboratories, experimental farms, and other facilities that conference delegates will be able to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More Par\u00e1 for the Arabs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDuring the ambassadors\u2019 meetings in Par\u00e1, other topics were also discussed, such as the halal products market\u2014those produced according to Islamic law\u2014the upcoming Global Halal Business Forum organized by the ABCC and FAMBRAS Halal scheduled for October. They also talked about activities the ABCC will host later this year, including missions and trade fairs where Par\u00e1 businesspeople can participate. \u201cWe also invited them to organize a joint mission to the Arab countries,\u201d Mourad said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The diplomats were also welcomed by the local Arab community at the Monte L\u00edbano club in Bel\u00e9m. According to information provided by the mayor, this community numbers around 400,000 people in Par\u00e1, including immigrants and their descendants. The ambassadors also visited the Utinga State Park, attended lunch and dinner hosted by the ABCC, toured the Bel\u00e9m waterfront, and visited Ver-o-Peso Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mourad says the visit was very important for the ambassadors to gain a deeper understanding of Brazil\u2019s diverse realities. \u201cBrazil is like 27 countries in one,\u201d he said, noting that the mission was an effort to go beyond the South and Southeast regions. \u201cThere is a vast Brazil, with several developed and efficient sectors capable of exporting to Arab countries, not only in the North but also in the Northeast and Central-West,\u201d he affirmed. Mourad believes that the ambassadors\u2019 engagement with industry federations also helps each country understand how to sell its products to these states. \u201cA country\u2019s economy doesn\u2019t rely solely on exports; it needs imports as well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSpeaking to ANBA, Alzeben highlighted the ABCC\u2019s efforts behind the mission, led by Mourad and supported by Institutional Relations Director Fernanda Baltazar, Corporate and Institutional Services Coordinator Ana Cristina Oliveira, and translator Saleh Hassan. \u201cThey worked tirelessly for the success of this mission,\u201d he said. He also emphasized the important roles played by Brazil\u2019s foreign ministry, the government of the state of Par\u00e1, and the participating Arab diplomats in organizing and ensuring the mission\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation included, besides Alzeben and Mourad: Maen Masadeh, Ambassador of Jordan; Rania Alhaj Ali, Ambassador of Syria; Osama Sawan, Ambassador of Libya; Nabil Lakhal, Ambassador of Tunisia; Abdelaziz Cherif, Ambassador of Algeria; Ahmad Swar, Ambassador of Sudan; Ahmed Bouce\u00eff, Ambassador of Mauritania; Firas Al Hammadany, Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires of Iraq; and Makram Douraid Said, Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Bel\u00e9m. Accompanying the group were Bruno D\u2019Abreu e Souza, Deputy Chief of the Gulf Countries Division at Brazil\u2019s foreign ministry, and Unaldo Eugenio Vieira de Sousa, Diplomat and Coordinator of International Relations at the Government of Par\u00e1\u2019s Representation in Bras\u00edlia. Some of the Arab ambassadors participated in the mission along with their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more<\/em>:
COP30 takes Arab ambassadors to Brazil\u2019s Par\u00e1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTranslated by Guilherme Miranda<\/strong><\/p>\n
Alzeben is keen to emphasize that hosting COP30 is important not only for Par\u00e1. \u201cYour success is our success\u2014it is for the good and future of humanity as a whole,\u201d the diplomat said during the meeting with Governor Barbalho. \u201cWe also thank the Brazilian government, and President Lula, who, with a forward-looking vision, directed efforts to make Bel\u00e9m the host of this international gathering. It\u2019s a vision that concerns not only the progress of Bel\u00e9m and Brazil but of all humanity,\u201d Alzeben told ANBA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alzeben highlighted the efforts made by both the state and federal governments for COP30 and expressed no doubt about the conference\u2019s success, which will host dozens of heads of state and hundreds of delegations. After touring the park\u2019s infrastructure and learning about initiatives such as the construction of a hotel to accommodate authorities, cruise ships that will host conference participants, the planned school holiday in the city, and the airport renovation, among other details, Alzeben said the conference is in good hands. \u201cOur authorities and delegates will be well accommodated to fulfill the main objective of this conference,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n
The ambassadors also met with representatives from Brazil’s state-run agricultural center Embrapa during their trip to Par\u00e1 and toured the facilities the research institution is preparing for COP30. Embrapa will play an important role in the conference, showcasing the sustainability and resilience of Brazilian agriculture through laboratories, experimental farms, and other facilities that conference delegates will be able to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More Par\u00e1 for the Arabs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDuring the ambassadors\u2019 meetings in Par\u00e1, other topics were also discussed, such as the halal products market\u2014those produced according to Islamic law\u2014the upcoming Global Halal Business Forum organized by the ABCC and FAMBRAS Halal scheduled for October. They also talked about activities the ABCC will host later this year, including missions and trade fairs where Par\u00e1 businesspeople can participate. \u201cWe also invited them to organize a joint mission to the Arab countries,\u201d Mourad said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The diplomats were also welcomed by the local Arab community at the Monte L\u00edbano club in Bel\u00e9m. According to information provided by the mayor, this community numbers around 400,000 people in Par\u00e1, including immigrants and their descendants. The ambassadors also visited the Utinga State Park, attended lunch and dinner hosted by the ABCC, toured the Bel\u00e9m waterfront, and visited Ver-o-Peso Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mourad says the visit was very important for the ambassadors to gain a deeper understanding of Brazil\u2019s diverse realities. \u201cBrazil is like 27 countries in one,\u201d he said, noting that the mission was an effort to go beyond the South and Southeast regions. \u201cThere is a vast Brazil, with several developed and efficient sectors capable of exporting to Arab countries, not only in the North but also in the Northeast and Central-West,\u201d he affirmed. Mourad believes that the ambassadors\u2019 engagement with industry federations also helps each country understand how to sell its products to these states. \u201cA country\u2019s economy doesn\u2019t rely solely on exports; it needs imports as well,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSpeaking to ANBA, Alzeben highlighted the ABCC\u2019s efforts behind the mission, led by Mourad and supported by Institutional Relations Director Fernanda Baltazar, Corporate and Institutional Services Coordinator Ana Cristina Oliveira, and translator Saleh Hassan. \u201cThey worked tirelessly for the success of this mission,\u201d he said. He also emphasized the important roles played by Brazil\u2019s foreign ministry, the government of the state of Par\u00e1, and the participating Arab diplomats in organizing and ensuring the mission\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation included, besides Alzeben and Mourad: Maen Masadeh, Ambassador of Jordan; Rania Alhaj Ali, Ambassador of Syria; Osama Sawan, Ambassador of Libya; Nabil Lakhal, Ambassador of Tunisia; Abdelaziz Cherif, Ambassador of Algeria; Ahmad Swar, Ambassador of Sudan; Ahmed Bouce\u00eff, Ambassador of Mauritania; Firas Al Hammadany, Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires of Iraq; and Makram Douraid Said, Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Bel\u00e9m. Accompanying the group were Bruno D\u2019Abreu e Souza, Deputy Chief of the Gulf Countries Division at Brazil\u2019s foreign ministry, and Unaldo Eugenio Vieira de Sousa, Diplomat and Coordinator of International Relations at the Government of Par\u00e1\u2019s Representation in Bras\u00edlia. Some of the Arab ambassadors participated in the mission along with their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more<\/em>:
COP30 takes Arab ambassadors to Brazil\u2019s Par\u00e1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTranslated by Guilherme Miranda<\/strong><\/p>\n
Speaking to ANBA, Alzeben highlighted the ABCC\u2019s efforts behind the mission, led by Mourad and supported by Institutional Relations Director Fernanda Baltazar, Corporate and Institutional Services Coordinator Ana Cristina Oliveira, and translator Saleh Hassan. \u201cThey worked tirelessly for the success of this mission,\u201d he said. He also emphasized the important roles played by Brazil\u2019s foreign ministry, the government of the state of Par\u00e1, and the participating Arab diplomats in organizing and ensuring the mission\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delegation included, besides Alzeben and Mourad: Maen Masadeh, Ambassador of Jordan; Rania Alhaj Ali, Ambassador of Syria; Osama Sawan, Ambassador of Libya; Nabil Lakhal, Ambassador of Tunisia; Abdelaziz Cherif, Ambassador of Algeria; Ahmad Swar, Ambassador of Sudan; Ahmed Bouce\u00eff, Ambassador of Mauritania; Firas Al Hammadany, Charg\u00e9 d\u2019Affaires of Iraq; and Makram Douraid Said, Honorary Consul of Lebanon in Bel\u00e9m. Accompanying the group were Bruno D\u2019Abreu e Souza, Deputy Chief of the Gulf Countries Division at Brazil\u2019s foreign ministry, and Unaldo Eugenio Vieira de Sousa, Diplomat and Coordinator of International Relations at the Government of Par\u00e1\u2019s Representation in Bras\u00edlia. Some of the Arab ambassadors participated in the mission along with their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read more<\/em>: Translated by Guilherme Miranda<\/strong><\/p>\n
COP30 takes Arab ambassadors to Brazil\u2019s Par\u00e1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n