Bolsonaro may visit Arab countries in first half-year
One day after returning from his official trip to Israel, Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo said Thursday (Apr. 4) that President Jair Bolsonaro may visit Arab countries still in the first half of the year.
“In the coming days we will put together a program with presidential visits to Arab countries—first, to our main partners, then others,” he said, after leaving a Senate hearing. “We’ve made great strides with Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.”
The government, the minister went on to say, plans to seek “proficuous partnerships” in bilateral relations. “We intend to forge relations with any country for the benefit of our independence, autonomy, our development—be it with China, the US, Israel, Arab countries….”
Agribusiness
During the hearing, Araújo was asked whether current diplomacy has not gotten in the way of Brazilian agribusiness. Thus far, he said, “nothing [in this connection] has materialized.” “Nor do I believe it will,” he added.
On Tuesday (Apr. 2), Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina said Brazil is a friend of Arab and Muslim countries. There has been an effort, she said, to preserve good relations with the increase of commercial cooperation. Next week she is expected to meet with 51 ambassadors from Arab countries in an attempt to address the charged atmosphere concerning the creation of a Brazilian business office in Jerusalem, as announced on March 31 by President Bolsonaro.
There has been a discontent, she said, on the part of Arab countries towards this subject, and the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to work to keep the dialog going.
