Bolsonaro to go to US mid-March

The president’s agenda should cover economic and commercial topics

Agência Brasil

Published on 07/02/2019 - 14:39

Brasília

O ministro das Relações Exteriores, Ernesto Araújo, conversa com o secretário-geral da OEA, Luis Almagro, sobre a situação na Venezuela, na sede da organização, em Washington. — © Divulgação MRE

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is expected to visit the US in mid-March. The date is still to be fixed. Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo spent the last two days in Washington and will be in New York today (Feb. 7) to work out the details of the presidential visit.

Bolsonaro’s agenda should include economic and commercial topics, the chancellor said. Araújo also wants US Congress members to visit Brazil and become acquainted with the country’s reality and discuss issues of common interest to both nations.

In New York, the minister will meet with investors, opinion leaders, and global geopolitics experts. He met two years ago with US State Secretary Mike Pompeo.

Brazil’s Embassy in Tel Aviv

During his stay in Washington, Araújo talked with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who Araújo said wants to know more information about the possible relocation of Brazil’s Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The topic is controversial among Jews and Muslims, as Jerusalem is regarded as having special religious significance by both communities, in addition to Catholics.

Araújo told the Turkish chancellor that the topic is under consideration. “It’s something we’ve been studying,” the Brazilian minister said, adding that the Turkish chancellor expressed concern over the move.

“Concern especially because a possible move by Brazil may bring about some impact or negative repercussion for religion or the peace process. [They want] any reaction from us to contribute to peace in the region,” Araújo reported.