Arab Diplomats Visit Amazonian Pará to Forge Stronger Ties Before COP30 Summit
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- Arab Diplomats Visit Amazonian Pará to Forge Stronger Ties Before COP30 Summit
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São Paulo – Diplomats from Arab nations, stationed in Brasília, have commenced a visit to the Brazilian state of Pará, located in the Amazon region, starting Sunday, June 15, and continuing through Wednesday, June 18. This initiative, orchestrated by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Brazil, aims to bolster relations between Pará and Arab countries, stimulate business ventures, and pave the way for Middle Eastern and North African participation in the upcoming COP30 climate summit scheduled for November in Belém. The visit underscores the growing international focus on sustainable development and climate action in the Amazon region.
Objectives of the Diplomatic Mission
According to Ibrahim Alzeben, the ambassador of Palestine to Brazil and dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors, this mission transcends a mere “diplomatic gesture.” While the council routinely engages with Brazilian states to enhance commercial and institutional bonds, this particular visit holds profound significance given the global spotlight on the Amazon in anticipation of COP30. Previous states visited include Santa Catarina, Bahia, Amazonas, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná.
Did You Know? The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating global climate patterns, storing an estimated 80-120 billion tons of carbon [[1]].
COP30’s Expansive reach
Alzeben emphasized that while Belém will officially host the climate summit, its impact extends far beyond state lines, encompassing the entire Amazon basin and, consequently, the global discourse on sustainability, climate justice, and human development.
The mission is driven by two primary objectives: firsthand observation of COP30 preparations in Pará and the fortification of economic partnerships between Arab nations and the state. Alzeben highlighted the substantial potential for collaboration in sectors such as bioeconomy, renewable energy, ecotourism, and climate innovation.
Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce’s Role
Mohamad Mourad, vice president of international relations and secretary-general of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), the organization spearheading the mission with support from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, anticipates that this visit will foster cooperation between Arab countries and Pará. The ABCC plays a vital role in facilitating trade and investment between Brazil and the Arab world, with bilateral trade reaching $27.24 billion in 2023 [[1]].
Pro Tip: Businesses looking to expand into new markets should consider participating in trade missions and networking events to build relationships and explore opportunities.
Mourad stated, “First, it’s about getting to know another Brazilian state, its diversity, and understanding the opportunities the state offers for exporting products to Arabs and for Brazilian importers of Arab supplies. It’s about understanding this dynamic and better taking advantage of these opportunities.Also, to get to know the host state of the upcoming COP30, a very important event with the participation of over a hundred countries and delegations who are now visiting the state and will take part in summit.”
Scheduled Meetings and Attendees
The itinerary includes meetings with officials from municipal and state executive branches, COP30 representatives, and sectoral institutions in industry and agricultural technology.Visits to Belém’s Clube Monte Líbano and Ver-o-Peso market are also planned.
Confirmed attendees include ambassadors from Palestine (Ibrahim Alzeben), Jordan (Maen masadeh), Syria (Rania Alhaj Ali), Libya (Osama Sawan), Tunisia (Nabil Lakhal), Algeria (Abdelaziz Cherif), Sudan (Ahmad Swar), Mauritania (Ahmed Bouceïf), and the League of Arab States (Qais Sqair). The chargé d’affaires of the Iraqi embassy, Firas Al Hammadany, and the lebanese embassy, George El Jallad, along with the honorary consul of Lebanon in Belém, Makram Douraid Said, will also be present.Some diplomats will be accompanied by their families.
Bruno D’Abreu e Souza, Deputy Chief of the Gulf Countries Division, will represent the Brazilian Foreign Ministry. The ABCC will be represented by Mourad, Institutional Relations Director Fernanda Baltazar, Corporate and Institutional Services Coordinator Ana Cristina Oliveira, and translator Saleh Hassan.
Diplomatic Visit to Pará: Key Participants
| Organization | Representative | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Council of Arab Ambassadors | Ibrahim Alzeben | Dean & Ambassador of Palestine |
| Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) | Mohamad Mourad | VP of International Relations & Secretary-General |
| Brazilian Foreign Ministry | Bruno D’Abreu e Souza | Deputy Chief of the Gulf Countries Division |
What impact will this diplomatic visit have on future collaborations between Pará and Arab nations? How can local businesses leverage these strengthened relationships for sustainable growth?
Evergreen Insights: Background, Context, Historical Trends
The relationship between Brazil and Arab countries has been steadily growing, particularly in trade and investment. Brazil is a major exporter of agricultural products to the arab world, while Arab countries are significant investors in Brazil’s infrastructure and energy sectors. This visit builds upon existing partnerships and seeks to explore new avenues for cooperation in emerging sectors like bioeconomy and renewable energy, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
why is Pará important for COP30?
Pará, located in the heart of the Amazon, is crucial for COP30 as it highlights the importance of preserving the rainforest and addressing climate change issues directly affecting the region.
What are the potential benefits of increased Arab investment in Pará?
Increased Arab investment can stimulate economic growth in Pará, create jobs, and support sustainable development initiatives, particularly in sectors like renewable energy and ecotourism.
How does this visit contribute to global sustainability efforts?
By fostering collaboration between Arab countries and Pará, this visit promotes the exchange of knowledge and resources for sustainable development, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
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