Armenian News-NEWS.am, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, continues its series of interviews entitled “Talk with Ambassador.” This week our guest is Armenia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Ashot Galoyan. Below is an abridged version of our talk with Ambassador Galoyan.
Mr. Ambassador, please speak about Armenian-Brazilian relations.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia [RA] and the Federative Republic of Brazil were established on February 17, 1992, and in March 1998, the RA Honorary Consulate was established in the Armenian-populated Brazilian city of São Paulo. In August 2006, the Embassy of Brazil—the first in the region—was founded in [Armenia’s capital city of] Yerevan. In early 2011, the RA Embassy was founded in the Brazilian capital city of Brasília.
The period that passed was full of numerous important meetings and negotiations stemming from the direct duties of the RA Ambassador. Priority is given to the development of bilateral relations in domains such as economic, educational, cultural, legal, etc.
Please tell us about the Armenian community in Brazil. What are their issues of concern today?
The majority of the Armenian community in Brazil resides in the city of São Paulo. The community was formed by the Armenians who migrated to the country in different periods. Understandably, the largest immigration occurred after the Armenian Genocide.
The community’s main issues of concern are the preservation of the Armenian identity, the Armenian upbringing of the young generation. In short, all that is characteristic of many other communities. An importance is given to the further strengthening of Fatherland [Armenia]-[Armenian] Diaspora ties.
Mr. Ambassador, what events are outlined in Brazil in connection with the centennial of the Armenian Genocide?
A regional coordinating committee has been established in Brazil, and under my direct guidance, to organize the Armenian Genocide 100th anniversary events. Over three dozen projects were approved, and which shall be implemented in the current period.
It should be noted that, in recent years, documents relating to the Armenian Genocide were adopted in several provincial and municipal parliaments of Brazil.
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What would you advise to those preparing to choose the profession of a diplomat?
Diplomacy is one of the oldest professions. It is indispensible to manifest a pro-state thinking in all actions, subordinating the personal [mindset] to it. The best advice would be to be devoted to the chosen profession, and to continuously improve both knowledge and personal qualities.
The previous interviews in this project:
Talk with Ambassador: Tatoul Markarian
Talk with Ambassador: Armen Khachatryan
Talk with Ambassador: Gegham Gharibjanyan
