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Brazil–Syria relations

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Brazilian–Syrian relations
Map indicating locations of Brazil and Syria

Brazil
Syria
Diplomatic mission
Brazilian Embassy, DamascusSyrian Embassy, Brasília[a]
Envoy
Ambassador André SantosAmbbassador Rania al-Haj Ali[2]

Brazil–Syria relations were established on 13 November 1945.[3][4] Syria has an embassy in Brasília and a consulate-general in São Paulo.[5] Brazil has an embassy in Damascus. Brazil and Syria have historical ties due to a significant Syrian population in Brazil, which is estimated to be around 4 million.[4]

History

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Brazil and Syria established diplomatic relations in 1945, following the end of World War II and Syria's independence from France.[4] The relationship has been marked by cultural exchanges, migration, and periods of economic cooperation.[4] Due to political conflicts in Syria in recent decades, Brazil has been a destination for Syrian refugees.[6]

Migration and cultural ties

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Brazil has one of the largest Syrian-origin communities outside of Syria. The first wave of Syrian migration to Brazil occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the days of the Ottoman Empire. The community is well-integrated, contributing to Brazilian culture, economy, and politics.[6]

With the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, many Syrians sought refuge in Brazil, making it one of the largest destinations for Syrians in South America.[7] The Syrian community in Brazil has fostered strong cultural ties between the two nations, including the establishment of cultural centers and associations.[8]

Diplomatic relations

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Syria has an Embassy in Brasília[1] and a counsulate-general in São Paulo.[5] As well as honorary consulates in Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Campo Grande, and Anápolis.[9]

The Legation of Brazil in Damascus was opened in 1951 and elevated to Embassy status in 1961.[4] Brazil’s embassy in Damascus remains open.[10]

Brazil has played a diplomatic role in calling for peaceful resolutions in Syria, advocating for dialogue within the United Nations and other international organizations.[11]

Chronology of bilateral relations, agreements, and visits[4]

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1876:

1945:

  • Establishment of diplomatic relations.

1951:

1961:

  • Establishment of the Brazilian Embassy in Damascus

1997:

  • Signing of the Cultural and Educational Cooperation Agreement

2003

Lula da Silva and Bashar al-Assad during 2003 visit.
Brazilian First Lady Marisa Letícia Lula da Silva with Syrian First Lady Asma al-Assad during 2003 visit.
  • Signing of the Sports Cooperation Agreement.

2005:

  • The Minister of Economy of Syria, Amer Lutfi, visits Brazil.

2006:

2007:

  • The Syrian Minister of Information, Muhsen Bilal, visits Brazil.

2008:

2009:

2010:

Brazilian President Lula with Syrian President Assad who received the Order of the Southern Cross, highest Order of Merit in 2010.

2011:

  • IBSA mission to Damascus

2012:

  • The Political and Press Advisor to the President of Syria Bouthaina Shaaban, visits Brazil.

2018:

  • A Delegation of Brazilian federal deputies visits Syria.[14]
  • Brazilian Senator Fernando Collor de Mello, President of the Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee of the Federal Senate, visits Syria.

Economic relations

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Trade between Brazil and Syria has fluctuated, especially during the Syrian Civil War. Brazil exports products such as sugar, coffee, and poultry to Syria, while importing some Syrian products, mainly in textiles and handicrafts.[citation needed]

In recent years, trade has decreased due to the ongoing conflict in Syria. However, efforts have been made by both nations to revitalize economic relations through diplomatic dialogues and potential trade agreements.[15]

Syrian refugees in Brazil

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Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at the Supporting Syria conference, 2016.

Brazil has provided asylum to Syrian refugees since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War.[16][17] The Brazilian government issued humanitarian visas to Syrians, allowing them to apply for asylum upon arrival.[18] Various non-governmental organizations and local Syrian community groups in Brazil have provided support to Syrian refugees through social services, language classes, and employment assistance.[citation needed]

International stances

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Brazil has taken a relatively neutral stance on the Syrian conflict, calling for a peaceful resolution without military intervention. Brazil has supported international humanitarian efforts and expressed support for Syrian refugees both within Brazil and globally. Brazil has also opposed unilateral military interventions in Syria, advocating for solutions based on dialogue.[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Countries in which there is no diplomatic representation". Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Arabic). Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  2. ^ "New ambassador of Syria to Brazil". ANBA (in Arabic). 27 February 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Cria uma Legação nas Repúblicas do Líbano e da Síria. Decreto nº 19.901, de 13 de Novembro de 1945". lexml.gov.br (in Portuguese). Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Syrian Arabic Republic". Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  5. ^ a b "São Paulo counselate address". Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Arabic). Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  6. ^ a b Tekin, Segâh (17 July 2017). "From 19th Century to Syrian Civil War: South America as a Syrian Migration Destination and the Case of Brazil". Turkish Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. Special Issue: 53–79. ISSN 2147-7523. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Syrians find refuge in Brazil as Latin America opens doors to war refugees". The Guardian. 11 March 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Syrian club in Brazil to celebrate Arab culture". ANBA. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Embassies, Consulate Generals, and Honorary Consulates abroad - Map". Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Arabic). Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  10. ^ "The Embassy". Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Joint Statement: Brazil and Switzerland on Syria". The United Nations Division of Switzerland. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Brazil President Kicks Off Mideast Tour". Arab News. 3 December 2003. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  13. ^ "Assad starts a Latin American tour next month". Al Khaleej (in Arabic). 19 January 2010. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Brazilian parliamentary delegation visits Syria". SANA. 5 January 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  15. ^ "Syria and Brazil discuss increasing and diversifying trade activity". SANA. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  16. ^ "Brazil: Syrian refugee seizes every opportunity to thrive in his new life". UNHCR. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  17. ^ Jill Langlois (24 March 2016). "The Syrians starting over in Brazil". UNHCR. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  18. ^ "UNHCR welcomes Brazil's humanitarian visas for Syrians fleeing conflict". UNHCR. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2024.

Notes

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  1. ^ Also responsible for Syrian interests in Guyana and Suriname[1]
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