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YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS։ The newly assigned Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Republic of Armenia Edson Marinho Duarte Monteiro has already visited the Armenian museums and churches. He also learnt some Armenian words. The Brazilian Ambassador shared his first impressions about Armenia with the Armenpress correspondent.
- Mr. Monteiro, you are in Armenia for the first time. What have you managed to reveal here and what impressions do you have?
- I have not yet got acquainted with many places, but the first sight was enough to get in love with Armenia. I like the local museums and churches very much. They are splendid (smiling). I fell in love with your music, paintings and cinema.
-How do you want to develop the relations between Armenia and Brazil?
- The cooperation presupposes clear actions, which should be made in the economic, social, cultural, scientific and technological fields. I am very happy to be here in Armenia now and have the opportunity to act as the mediator between the two nations. I will try to continue the already established cooperation in the future.
-What place does the Armenian community occupy in the life of Brazil?
- There are about 40,000 people in the Armenian community of Brazil. The major part of them has been settled in São Paulo. The Armenians of Brazil play quite an important role in the fields of economy, business, financial systems and culture.
-What Armenian words have you learnt?
- I know two Armenian words and both of them are wonderful: “Hello” and “Please” (laughing). Though it is still the beginning. I have a great desire to learn Armenian.
Historical Review
Armenians have been settled in Brazil since the second half of the 19th century. In 1928 the first Armenian school was established in Brazil. In 1935 the first Armenian Church was built.More than 15 years ago the Chamber of Deputies of the State of São Paulo recognized the Armenian Genocide and announced the April 24 to be the Day for Commemoration of 1,5 million victims of the Genocide of 1915.
The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Federative Republic of Brazil have been established on February 17 1992. (THE FULL INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)
Interviewed by Gohar Avetisyan