During his State visit to Brazil, President Sergio Mattarella expressed his deep emotional involvement with the Italian community in Salvador, labeling it as the final stage of his trip. Starting last Sunday, Mattarella visited Brasilia, Porto Alegre, San Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador, where he had the chance to meet with former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The President highlighted the significance of the Italian-Brazilian connection, acknowledging the proud Italian communities spread throughout the country. He emphasized the rich history and cultural ties that bind Italy and Brazil, expressing his pride in the strong and unbreakable bond between the two nations.
Mattarella discussed the intertwining of Brazilian and Italian cultures over time, noting the upcoming opening of the Venice Biennale of Art by a Brazilian director as an example of the close relationship between the two countries. He praised the strong connections between the two cultures and nations, symbolized by the illuminated Christ the Redeemer statue in the colors of the Italian flag as a tribute to Italy. During his visit to Rio de Janeiro, the President also explored the National Library, the largest in Latin America and one of the top ten in the world. Established in 1810, the library holds a copy of every publication in Brazil, highlighting its significance as the oldest government organization in Brazilian culture.
At the National Library in Rio de Janeiro, President Mattarella was greeted by Marco Lucchesi, the President of the National Library Foundation, and unveiled the exhibition “Rio: New Rome – Cultural Alliances – 150 years of Italian Immigration,” which can also be accessed virtually on the bndigital website. The exhibition showcases the longstanding cultural exchange between Italy and Brazil over the past century and a half, celebrating the contributions of Italian immigrants to the development of Brazil. The event underscored the enduring cultural ties between the two nations and highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting their shared heritage.
President Mattarella concluded his State visit by addressing the Italian community in Salvador, expressing his gratitude for their warm reception and hospitality. He reflected on the diverse and vibrant Italian-Brazilian communities across the country, praising their strong sense of pride and connection to Italy. He underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening the cultural ties between Italy and Brazil, emphasizing the value and significance of the historical relationship between the two nations. The President’s visit symbolized a celebration of the shared heritage, traditions, and values that continue to unite Italy and Brazil, fostering a sense of kinship and mutual respect between the two countries.
In a closing statement, President Mattarella expressed his appreciation for the warmth and generosity of the Brazilian people throughout his visit, reaffirming the enduring friendship between Italy and Brazil. He highlighted the cultural, historical, and economic bonds that unite the two nations, emphasizing the need to continue nurturing and deepening these connections for the benefit of future generations. The President’s visit served as a testament to the strong and lasting relationship between Italy and Brazil, demonstrating the shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation between the two countries.
