Brazil has officially opened a new Trade and Investment Promotion Agency in Jerusalem, as a first step toward realization of Brasilia’s intention to relocate its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Israel’s capital.
President Jair Bolsonaro‘s son, lawmaker Eduardo Bolsonaro, addressed the festive opening ceremony, where he emphasized his father’s commitment to relocate the Federal Republic’s diplomatic mission to Jerusalem. He said “When the President, or at that time Congressman, Jair Bolsonaro was arriving around Brazil in many, many, many airports – if you have the chance go on YouTube and watch it – the crowd, like thousands of people waiting for Jair Bolsonaro with two flags: the Brazilian flag and the Israeli flag. It shows a lot, the support of the Christians of Brazil, especially the Evangelicals – what they expect from us, what they want from us, and they also stand together for their brothers which are the Jewish here in Israel. So that’s also why I’m sure that President Jair Bolsonaro will move the Embassy to Jerusalem, and it will be really a great day.”
Bolsonaro also underscored that the Christian communities of Brazil were not only responsible for the strengthening relations with Israel, but also the President’s decision to follow through on his decision around 18 months ago to move the embassy.
Israel warmly welcomed Brasilia’s declaration. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the inauguration of the Brazilian trade mission, where he proclaimed the opening of “a full-fledged embassy in Jerusalem is something we know will serve the interests of Brazil and Israel.”