On the anniversary of the independence of Brazil, historic friendship with Syria reinforced by cultural and civilizational bonds

Damascus (ST): The Federal Republic of Brazil celebrates the 199th anniversary of its independence at a time when, like other countries of the world, it faces the Corona pandemic and the challenges it imposed in various economic and social fields. However Brazil continues to support the reform of international systems and its defense of international law, multilateralism and the Charter of the United Nations.

 Brazil and Syria are linked by historical friendship relations, reinforced by a cultural and civilized bond due to the presence of a community of Syrians established in Brazil at the end of the nineteenth century, estimated at 4 million people, who contributed to the development of Brazil in various fields.

The two countries signed a number of bilateral agreements in the fields of health, agriculture, tourism, sports and culture. The Brazilian embassy continued its work in Damascus during the terrorist war on Syria, and repeatedly renewed its support for finding a political solution to the crisis, and affirmed its country’s position in rejecting violence and terrorism.

Several visits and official delegations have been exchanged by the two sides since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1945, the last of which was at the parliamentary level in January 2018, when a delegation of Brazilian federal representatives visited Damascus and met with a number of members of the Syrian-Brazilian Parliamentary Friendship Committee and representatives of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce in Syria.

Brazil attaches special importance to educational cooperation with countries, as it contributes to economic and social development, promotes the values of tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, and is a tool for promoting bilateral rapprochement. In this context, 50 scholarships were announced for students from participating developing countries, including Syria, in the year 2020 to study in Brazilian universities. It also continues this year to provide the opportunity for students under the age of 23 to complete their studies at its universities.

Brazil is the largest country in South America, the fifth in the world in terms of area and sixth in terms of population, with a population of about 211 million, and it is a founding member of the United Nations, the Group of Twenty and the BRICS group.

K.Q.