Arab world and Latin America cooperation thread

[al-Hasani]

Since the Arab world and Latin American countries have recently expanded cooperation on all fields, especially GCC states I thought about making a thread that deals with this cooperation and other issues between the Arab World and Latin America.

There are estimated 30-40 million Latin Americans of Arab or partial Arab ancestry. The biggest community is found in Brazil were above 10 million people are of Arab ancestry. The vast majority are Christians and few speak Arabic, as is the norm with every foreign community in the "New World" but they have nevertheless left a big marker in almost every single Latin American country. Many presidents and prime ministers have been of Arab origin. For instance the world's richest person is an Mexican-Arab. Carlos Slim.

Another famous Mexican-Arab is Salma Hayek. Just the name should give the origin away.
Another one is Shakira. Shakira means "thankful" in Arabic. Her surname is also Mubarak. Relatively common surname in the Arab world. There are many Arabs in Colombia.

The list is very long.

The famous Brazilian football coach and World Cup Winner (as player and coach) Zagallo is also an Arab-Brazilian.

Many Brazilian models, singers, military personal etc. have been or are of Arab origin.

Arabs Making Their Mark in Latin America: Generations of Immigrants in Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico | Al Jadid Magazine

Latin America's Moorish and Arab Influence

To make matters more interesting for you as an Portuguese speaker then don't forget that Iberia (Portugal and Spain) was under Arab/Moorish control for nearly 1000 years and 20-25% of all Spanish words are of an Arabic origin and a similar percentage in the Portuguese language.

On another note up to 20.000 Porutguese words are of Arabic origin. Quite a few. Most Portuguese people probably do not have a clue about all this I suspect since it is just a part of their heritage today.

Over 20 000 Arabic words in the Portuguese language… : Muslim in the Midst…

http://www.transeuropeennes.eu/ressources/pdfs/TIM_2011_Arabic_Portuguese_Catarina_BELO_114.pdf​

Especially the last link is interesting:

Did you know? Latin America has had 8 presidents of Arab origin | ngc blog

So our people and cultures are more closely related on all fronts than one could believe. Even when it comes to the cuisine.

So for all those reasons I do wonder why the hell the Arab world has not tried to establish closer ties with Latin America a long, long time ago. It must be mostly bound in the geographical distance or maybe bound in difference of religion which should not really matter since there are millions of Arab Christians (first Christians in the world after the Jews).

I also recently found out that Brazil along with Venezuela are observing members of the Arab League. Only India and Eritrea are that otherwise.

In any case the recent growing cooperation is positive news as I see it.

 

[blackface]

Arabs are very successful in Brazil

 

[al-Hasani]

Uruguay ties to be strengthened

WIDENING RELATIONS: Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal and his Uruguay counterpart Luis Almagro sign a memorandum of understanding for political consultations to enhance bilateral ties. (SPA)
​

RIYADH: RASHID HASSAN

Published — Friday 25 April 2014

Last update 25 April 2014 2:01 am

Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Almagro met with Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin and Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal on Wednesday to enhance ties between the Kingdom and the Latin American country.
Almagro was welcomed in Riyadh on Tuesday and left for Jordan from Jeddah after meeting with the Saudi leadership, said Carlos Mora, Uruguay’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
“The bilateral meeting was very forward-looking and highly conducive to enhancing ties between the two countries,” Mora told Arab News. “The ministers from both sides focused on political consultation among them.”
The envoy said that they discussed several issues related to political, economic, cultural and social ties between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
The Kingdom is seeking to strengthen foreign agricultural investments in a bid to raise food security in the Middle East and across the world. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has taken on an initiative for Saudi agricultural investment abroad to strengthen the country’s position, which experts say will help secure greater international food security.
Uruguay, one of the fastest developing economies in South America, has shown interest in enhancing ties with the Kingdom, particularly in the agricultural and livestock fields.
According to an official at the Council of Saudi Chambers, the volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay is estimated to be worth SR51 million, with scope for more extensive trading. “The two sides discussed various ways and means to enhance cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields during the meeting,” said Mora. “A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for political consultation between the foreign ministries was also signed during the meeting between the foreign ministers.”
Mora said that a general accord of cooperation between the ministries of agriculture in the two countries was also signed.
"We are stressing the importance of seeking mechanisms to further enhance relations and evoke information exchange between the two countries," he said.
The minister revealed that his country plans to explore Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets due to the vast opportunities in the region.

Uruguay ties to be strengthened | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more.

@Al Bhatti you are very welcome to post the recent news about the leadership of UAE traveling to Latin America in this thread if you wish to do so.

It might be better than creating several threads.

Arabs are very successful in Brazil

Indeed they are my friend.

I badly want to visit Belize. Unfortunately I am yet to do so. I like a lot of things about the "New World" in general one of them being the wonderful mixture of cultures, ethic groups and what not.

Mod edit - edited on poster's request

 

[blackface]

Indeed they are my friend.

I badly want to visit Brazil. Unfortunately I am yet to do so. I like a lot about the "New World" in general one of them being the wonderful mixture of cultures, ethic groups and what not.

I was having the same debate with an Iranian guy the other day. I think the New World has a certain charm to it that the old world doesn't. It represented a fresh start for those persecuted and tired of life in the old world.

 

[al-Hasani]

I was having the same debate with an Iranian guy the other day. I think the New World has a certain charm to it that the old world doesn't. It represented a fresh start for those persecuted and tired of life in the old world.

Indeed. I had this discussion with a lot of Americans and especially Latinos (second generation) when I studied for 1 year in the US.

It's admirable that people from all walks of life, colors, origins etc. can establish complex and developed societies in a matter of decades (or rather 1-2 centuries) and all of them now take pride in the culture of their new country irresponsible of their ancestral ties. That's something I like in particular being of mixed origins myself.

I guess that this is not any different to the history of humans which is that of constant migrations, mixing, incorporating outside influences and thus evolving into distinct but connected entities.

 

[al-Hasani]

Children of Arab descent hold a banner which reads "Free Syria" during a protest, Sao Paulo, Brazil, March 18, 2012. (photo by REUTERS/Nacho Doce)​

Arab world should turn toward Latin America
​

With the various challenges that Arab foreign policy has encountered, it has been knocked off course, diverting it away from national priorities over the decades. The way to build Arab ties with the outside world has been based on direct and instantaneous interests, but has lacked continuity and objectivity and has been oriented toward the West. Strategic alliances have been limited to the United States and Europe as sole masterminds of the world.

The foreign policy crisis has remained at a standstill, after Arab ties cooled off with a part of the world considered as being among the emerging international and regional powers that have made great strides on the road to economic welfare and political independence.

Yet, the past shifts in the Arab world required radical changes to be brought about in its foreign affairs. In this context, Latin America is considered an important and promising partner. The three Arab-Latin summits of 2005, 2009 and 2013 have broken down the isolation barrier with the South American continent; however, indications of cooperation remain at a low level.

Moreover, ties between the Arab world and Latin American countries have stayed separate from any official or popular interaction. Latin America has not been an influential player in the Arab world. Although there are varying levels of political, diplomatic and commercial relations, they have remained secondary compared with Arab ties with major Western capitals

There are certainly several reasons behind the need to develop Arab-Latin cooperation. Chief among these is the positive official and popular stance of Latin American countries toward Arab rights and issues.

Second, Latin American countries are a reference for developing countries such as Egypt since they have succeeded in achieving significant economic growth. Brazil became the sixth-biggest economy in the world in 2011. Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico have achieved unprecedented levels of growth in recent years, after having gone through major economic problems, such as the high increase in public debt level, high unemployment rates, and decline in foreign investment.

Over the last three decades, Latin American countries have most probably made huge developmental leaps forward due to the democratic shift that occurred in the mid-1980s and the implementation of reform and openness policies toward the outside world.

While American and European economies have suffered from severe financial crises and sharp decline in growth rates, the Latin economy has succeeded in overcoming the negative effects of the global economic crisis, maintaining an acceptable growth rate that reached 3.2% in 2012. Moreover, Latin American economies today are among the hottest investment markets, where the volume of foreign investment flow reached nearly $100 billion in late 2012. In addition, International Monetary Fund (IMF) data indicate that from 2010 until last year, growth rates in Latin American countries have outpaced those of the United States, while public debt has continued to shrink.

Bridges

It should be noted that the estimated 30-35 million Arab emigrants have played a very influential role in the continent, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Venezuela. They have constituted a traditional form of capital and a major potential within the South American communities, but they have rarely been exploited and in a very limited way. Arabs in the South can serve as the bridges for renewed and fertile economic, political and cultural relationships that are nourished by the common cultural legacy of the two regions.

Finally, Latin American countries have become an influential player on the international scene today. It should be noted that six Latin countries have recognized a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders since Brazil has led a campaign to recognize the Palestinian entity. In this general context, it is very important for the Arab world to explore the Latin experience that provided a different economic and political model combining economic growth, social justice and the freedom from political dependence.

The reality is that cooperation with Latin American countries could be beneficial in several ways. First among these is addressing the problem of poverty, which has oppressed large swaths of Arab societies, particularly since the Latin experience has lifted nearly 70 million people out of poverty, and nearly 50 million people have joined the middle class in the last 10 years. Second is benefitting from the Latin experience in technology, as Latin American countries have turned from banana republics to digital republics, and have made great strides in the production and export of software. This is added to a potential cooperation in the production of biofuel, power generation from waste and the manufacture of automobiles and airplanes.

Based on this, new horizons can be opened up in trade and investment between the two worlds. The Latin market is promising, and can represent a new alternative to the American and European markets that require difficult procedural requirements. Therefore, heading toward this vital region will not only benefit the economy, but will also provide an opportunity to build an international bloc against the discriminatory policies of the Western capitals. This is particularly true since Latin American countries, with their huge economic capabilities and concrete political role in the international and regional arenas today, are among the influential and active actors in a world that can circumvent diplomatic and economic unilateralism and promote multilateralism.

On the other hand, a rapprochement with South America gives us an opportunity to change the region’s stereotypes. Many Arabs still wrongly believe that these countries are nothing more than the largest producers of soccer stars. The truth is that the opportunity is favorable to support a rapprochement with this region, especially since South American countries have striven to promote ties with the Arab world as part of their efforts to activate multilateralism, to reform the UN Security Council, and endorse Brazil for a permanent seat on the Security Council and as representative of South American countries. It is likely that South American governments and people no longer believe in relying on Washington as a reliable partner. Worries have increased with the unprecedented NSA spying scandals on the phones and emails of heads of state. This is not to mention the US failure in dealing with the international community since the Soviet Union fell in 1989, its use of force alone after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, whether in Afghanistan or Iraq, its involvement in Libya and its responsibility for the worsening of the Syrian crisis .

Moreover, Washington’s behavior and the irregular political and moral [conduct] of the American elite towards the Latin continent, have pushed Latin governments to burn bridges with the US and to push forward to develop international links with the Arab world,

The Arab Latin America Business Council (ALABC), which was established five years ago, includes businessmen and non-governmental bodies, and is sponsored by a number of governments from the two regions. It recently announced from Egypt's southern governorate of Luxor an initiative for the development of Upper Egypt by developing small and medium enterprises and launching productive activities, especially in the marginalized rural areas.

The ALABC is a bridge of communication between Arab and Latin American countries, and aims to promote economic cooperation, by providing information and communication, through forums, economic conferences, trade exhibitions, trade missions and other activities between the two regions in order to introduce the business sector and the people to the economic, social, cultural and touristic aspects.

This is why it is important for the Arab world to reshuffle its political and economic cards, and become open to active economic powers. Latin America is at the top of the list of potential partners for the Arab world, given its positive stances in regard to Arab issues in addition to its growing economies. The new international rising powers, such as India and China, have doubled their investments in Latin America during 2011, reaching $22.7 billion. Even major regional powers, such as Turkey and Israel, are pushing toward Latin America to establish strategic relationships. Furthermore, Iran succeeded in gaining a political ground on the continent through its economy.

Read more: Arab world should turn toward Latin America - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

@blackface this article might interest you.

Also can you tell me why the majority of Latin Americans are very pro-Arab in the Palestine-Israeli conflict? Bound in politics (socialism) and the close historical ties or what?

We have another Brazilian user here who is very pro-Palestinian and vocal. An old user. @RFS_Br

 

[blackface]

It is not that we are pro Arab but more that we are anti imperialism. Most Latin Americans are leftists in their view of social justice, colonialism, racial relations etc.. We don't like imperialists, whoever they are.

 

[al-Hasani]

It is not that we are pro Arab but more that we are anti imperialism. Most Latin Americans are leftists in their view of social justice, colonialism, racial relations etc.. We don't like imperialists, whoever they are.

That's a very accurate description from my personal experience and from what I have figured out. It must be the heritage of colonialism and the rampant although decreasing social injustice. Similar to the Arab street if not identical.

More similarties.

 

[Full Moon]

I was having the same debate with an Iranian guy the other day. I think the New World has a certain charm to it that the old world doesn't. It represented a fresh start for those persecuted and tired of life in the old world.

Agreed. I've always had a feeling that nations with short history are relived from the burden of long history and the unhappy memories that come along with it.

 

[Al Bhatti]

@WebMaster or the mods, can you please merge/move the thread UAE pledges to cement ties with Latin American nations to this thread Arab world and Latin America cooperation thread

@Al Bhatti you are very welcome to post the recent news about the leadership of UAE traveling to Latin America in this thread if you wish to do so.

It might be better than creating several threads.

I have requested the mods to do it. Thank you for your suggestion.

 

[Halimi]

Almost all the Arabs mentioned in the first post are Lebanese. Our diaspora in South America is huge, almost twice the size of Lebanon's actual population, and they've been the principal Arab community in the continent.

Any such Arab-South American engagement would benefit from a strong Lebanese role. I do believe Carlos Slim Helu emphasised that when he was visiting the country a few years ago (he's from Jezzine), but the removal of Saad Hariri (KSA's man in the country) from the PM position undermined the opportunity for any advanced cooperation and relationship development.

 

[Al Bhatti]

April 29, 2014

Abdullah meets Uruguayan President

Abdullah Bin Zayed and his counterpart review bilateral cooperation during visit

Jose Mujica, President of Uruguay, on Monday received Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, in Montevideo.

During the meeting, Shaikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the President of Uruguay, and his best wishes for further progress and prosperity for the people of Uruguay.

Shaikh Abdullah also highlighted the importance of relations between the two countries and ways of boosting them in all fields.

Mujica conveyed to Shaikh Abdullah his greetings to Shaikh Khalifa, stressing his country’s keenness to strengthen relations with the UAE.

They reviewed bilateral relations and means of strengthening them in addition to a number of other issues of common interest.

Shaikh Abdullah also met Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luis Almagro Lemes.

During the meeting, they reviewed relations of cooperation and friendship between the UAE and Uruguay, and ways to develop and boost them, especially in the fields of economy and trade, renewable energy and the promotion of investments.

They also exchanged views on a number of issues of common concern in light of the current developments in the regional and international arenas.

Shaikh Abdullah expressed his happiness at the opportunity to visit Uruguay for the second time following his first trip to Montevideo in October 2009, expressing his deep appreciation to Lemes for the warm welcome and hospitality.

During a joint press conference with Lemes, Shaikh Abdullah said, “Our meeting today is a clear indication of our joint commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between our countries in various areas, including trade and investment, people-to-people exchanges, science and technology, political dialogue, renewable energy and sustainable development.”

He also highlighted the UAE’s keenness on forging closer economic ties with Uruguay, adding that the current level of trade between the two countries has the potential to expand significantly.

“I look forward to the opening of a Uruguayan Embassy in Abu Dhabi in the near future. This will serve to increase dialogue between the UAE and Uruguay on a range of issues, and to support an expansion of business links,” Shaikh Abdullah said.

He said, “We have had a comprehensive exchange of views on peace and security issues in the Middle East and Latin America. Our countries share many common interests and concerns in today’s globalised world,”

Shaikh Abdullah expressed his thanks to Uruguay for supporting the UAE in its successful bid to host Expo 2020.

“Our countries also share a strong interest in renewable energy and cooperation on climate change issues. We commend Uruguay for its efforts to spread important messages about climate change to the world and I look forward to welcoming Uruguay’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Ascent meeting, which will support preparations for the 2014 Climate Summit and will be held in Abu Dhabi on May 4 and 5.”

He also reiterated the UAE’s full support for Uruguay’s candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council for 2016-2017.

“The positive outcomes of our discussions today underline our strong desire to achieve a results-oriented partnership that will further strengthen our bilateral relations.”

Shaikh Abdullah added, “I would like to reaffirm our commitment to working together as we deepen the bonds between our people and create new opportunities for the future.”

The Foreign Minister of Uruguay welcomed Shaikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation, stressing his country’s keenness to develop bilateral relations.

Lemes highlighted his country’s keenness to cooperate with the UAE in various fields, especially in infrastructure, ports and political dialogue. He expressed his country’s aspirations to sign a number of agreements with the UAE, including the avoidance of double taxation.

Shaikh Abdullah attended a luncheon hosted by Lemes in his honour.

Abdullah meets Uruguayan President | GulfNews.com

 

[Al Bhatti]

By the way The Uruguayan President is very simple and down to earth.

 

[Al Bhatti]

April 30, 2014

UAE Diplomatic Offensive in Latin America

The visit by United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Uruguay, Paraguay and Peru brings to an end 10 days of unusually intense diplomatic activity by the Gulf nation in Latin America.

On Monday Apr. 28, Al Nahyan met with his Uruguayan counterpart Luis Almagro before he was received by President José Mujica. On Tuesday Apr. 29 he continued on his tour to Paraguay and Peru.

The minister is visiting the region as part of the delegation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, who visited Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, in that order, from Apr. 20 to 26.

The agenda for dialogue in Uruguay included the opening of an embassy by this South American country in the UAE.


In a press conference with Almagro, Al Nahyan said “I look forward to the opening of a Uruguayan Embassy in Abu Dhabi in the near future. This will serve to increase dialogue between the UAE and Uruguay on a range of issues, and to support an expansion of business links.”

Uruguay is particularly interested in drawing investment from the UAE in the projected deep-water Atlantic port in the eastern department or province of Rocha.

Almagro, who visited the UAE in 2011, said that country had experience in participating in similar port projects in Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Peru.

The foreign ministers also reported a project involving cooperation in horse breeding genetics and renewable energy, although the two countries have not yet signed concrete agreements in these areas.


Al Nahyan stressed the need for an adequate legal framework, which according to Almagro is in the final stage of drafting and will include an agreement to avoid double taxation.

“Our countries also share a strong interest in renewable energy and cooperation on climate change issues,” said Al Nahyan.

He added: “We commend Uruguay for its efforts to spread important messages about climate change to the world and I look forward to welcoming Uruguay’s participation in the Abu Dhabi Ascent meeting, which will support preparations for the 2014 Climate Summit,” to take place Dec. 1-12 in Peru.

The May 4-5 Abu Dhabi Ascent meeting will draw senior U.N. officials, ministers, bankers, and representatives of business and civil society, to promote commitments towards reaching a new global climate treaty in 2015.

The UAE supports Uruguay’s candidacy for a seat on the U.N. Security Council for 2016-2017, Al Nahyan also stated.

In addition, the conversations focused on multilateral relations between the Arab world and Latin America, and particularly sensitive Middle East issues such as the Palestinian question.

Almagro returned Sunday Apr. 27 from an official tour to Jordan, Palestine, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

In his meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the two governments indicated an interest in opening embassies.

In Montevideo, Al Nahyan expressed appreciation for Uruguay’s efforts, which he said formed part of “growing international support for the cause of the Palestinian people.”

Meanwhile, during his tour through four key Latin American countries – Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile – Prime Minister Al Maktoum met with each president and signed agreements in important areas.

With Chile he signed an accord to avoid double taxation on income and wealth of air transport and naval companies.

In Argentina, a memorandum of understanding was reached for the peaceful use of nuclear energy.


With the Brazilian government, Al Maktoum signed an agreement in defence for technology sharing, cooperation in training and instruction, weapons, crisis management and logistical support.

With Mexico, where he began his tour on Apr. 20, Al Maktoum signed a declaration on the conclusion of the negotiations of the Accord for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment between the two countries.

UAE Diplomatic Offensive in Latin America - Inter Press Service

 

[Al Bhatti]

2014-04-30

Abdullah bin Zayed, Vice President of Paraguay discuss bilateral relations

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of U.A.E., has met with Don Juan Afara, Vice President of Paraguay, in the capital Asuncion.

During the meeting, which was attended by Paraguayan Deputy Foreign Minister, Federico Gonzalez, they discussed cooperation relations between the United Arab Emirates and Paraguay, and ways of boosting them to serve common interests of both countries and peoples.

They also exchanged views on a number of issues of common concern in the light of the current developments in the regional and international arenas.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed highlighted U.A.E.'s keenness to build special relationship with Paraguay, stressing the importance of the exchange of visits and meetings, which contribute to strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two sides and promote cooperation and mutual benefit.

For his part, the Vice-President of Paraguay welcomed U.A.E.'s Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation, noting the distinguished relations between the two countries in various fields.

He also commended the cultural renaissance witnessed by the United Arab Emirates in various fields.

Sheikh Abdullah also attended a luncheon hosted by Mr. Gonzalez in his honor.

Sultan Rashid Al Kaitoob, U.A.E. Ambassador to Brazil and Non-Resident Ambassador to Paraguay also attended the meeting and banquet.

WAM | Emirates News Agency