- Title: BRAZIL: Israeli President Shimon Peres addresses Brazilian senate
- Date: 11th November 2009
- Summary: ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES AND BRAZILIAN SENATE PRESIDENT JOSE SARNEY AT CONGRESS SENATORS IN AUDIENCE PERES APPLAUDING CAMERAMEN FILMING SARNEY ADDRESSING CONGRESS SENATORS SITTING PERES ADDRESSING CONGRESS PERES AND SARNEY SHAKING HANDS ISRAEL, BRAZIL AND MERCOSUR FLAGS
- Embargoed: 26th November 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Brazil
- Country: Brazil
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA8J14SL3TEHWQUF00K9RP6MF24
- Story Text: Israeli President Shimon Peres addressed Brazil's Senate on Tuesday (November 10), the first day of his seven-day-trip through Brazil and Argentina.
Peres made this, the first state visit by an Israeli President to Brazil in 40 years, to strengthen diplomatic ties with both Latin American nations.
At the senate, he was greeted by Senate President Jose Sarney and House of Representatives President Michel Temer.
During his trip, Peres will meet several Brazilian authorities and members of the Jewish community. He will also travel to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where he is expected to tour the famous Maracana soccer stadium.
Peres' trip comes two weeks ahead of the November 23 arrival of Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for a trip which was criticized by local Jewish leaders.
Brazil, a rising diplomatic power campaigning to gain a permanent seat at the U.N. Security Council, has adopted a more conciliatory line toward Iran than Western allies, including the United States.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has urged Western leaders to stop pushing Iran over its nuclear program and instead talk to it to foster peace.
In July, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman made a 10-day Latin American tour aimed at boosting trade and curbing Iranian influence in the region.
Peres travels to Argentina on Sunday, November 15. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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