On the occasion of commemorating the National Day of Brazil, it gives me great pleasure and honor to convey my heartiest congratulations to all Brazilians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
On the same occasion, I also avail the opportunity to extend my cordial greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, to the government as well as to the friendly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Brazil prides itself on having roots in the rich culture and heritage of Arab civilization. Since the 19th century, successive waves of immigrants from the Middle East have made their way to Brazil in search for new horizons. Over the years, they have contributed to forging present-day Brazil and to its diverse human landscape. Arab values, tastes and sensibilities are today an integral part of what it means to be Brazilian.
In the year 2000, King Abdullah, at that time the crown prince, made a historic trip to Brazil, the first by such a high-ranking Saudi representative. In 2009, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reciprocated the event, which marked the first ever visit of a Brazilian head of state to Saudi Arabia. These two events have strengthened the partnership that had started in 1968, when the two countries had established diplomatic relations.
During the visit of the president of Brazil, agreements were signed between the two countries and discussions held between Saudi officials and businessmen and their Brazilian counterparts on various sectors, which, I hope, will bring significant results in the near future.
In fact, the trip of President Lula to the Kingdom was aimed at exploring and enhancing the many-faceted affinities and the opportunities for cooperation that exist between Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Much has been achieved over recent years. However, much remains to be done, given the potential of our two thriving economies that are making their mark on the global scene.
Our commercial ties eloquently express the dynamic nature of our association, the Kingdom having become Brazil’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. Since the visit of King Abdullah, bilateral trade has multiplied fourfold, rising from $1.2 billion to $5.5 billion. However, both countries have not yet made full use of their economic complementarities. The government and private sector, both in Brazil and Saudi Arabia, have to explore the growing range of possibilities for cooperation in fields such as mining, aviation, construction, engineering, finance, to name only a few.
In view of the impressive urban and industrial development of Saudi Arabia, and its growing demand for food, health services, education, technology etc., the Kingdom is looking for new partnerships. In this context, Brazil is one of the countries which can become a privileged partner for the Kingdom because of the abundance of its natural resources, its agricultural and industrial bases, its know-how in many areas and the competitiveness of its economy. From our perspective, Brazil also wishes to be a privileged partner with the Kingdom, given its strategic geographical location and major role in the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League. Brazil also shares with Saudi Arabia the conviction that deeper South-South relations are critical to ensuring that our countries will continue on the path to sustainable development.
Nowhere was the strategic potential of our partnership more visible than during the G-20 Summit in London last April. Saudi Arabia and Brazil joined hands to ensure that the international community arrives at timely and effective responses to the global crisis. Our countries are especially well placed to exercise this leadership role given the global weight of our economies, as well as their resilience in the face of the present turmoil. Brazil looks forward to partnering with Saudi Arabia to help bring about the necessary reforms of the Bretton Woods institutions and of the United Nations.
Yet reforming multilateral institutions is not enough if we are to shape more responsive governance architecture. To overcome the truly global challenges before us, we must address the root causes of conflicts, in particular those confronting different creeds and civilizations. That is why the Saudi proposal for greater interfaith dialogue is so welcome. It helps enhance one of the major pillars of the Alliance of Civilizations Forum, which Brazil is proud to host next year. The Brazilian people are therefore highly appreciative of the efforts of King Abdullah’s global level peace initiatives, interfaith dialogue and support to alleviate poverty.
Sergio Luiz Canaes
Ambassador of Brazil
