Upon the invitation of the Higher Institute of Political and Administrative Sciences and the Center of Studies and Cultures of Latin America at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, the Ambassador of Brazil to Lebanon H.E. Mr. Paolo Roberto di Ventura presented a lecture on March 17, 2011 within the framework of a series of lectures on “Foreign Policy – Latin America and its Relations with the Middle East” given by the ambassadors of Latin America in Lebanon, every Thursday from March 17 to May 19, 2011. This lecture course, mandatory in the BA program in the concerned institute, aims at making students aware of an unavoidable issue for a good understanding of the political challenges of the XXI century, namely the development of Latin American countries.
 
The lecture started with the word of Dr. Georges Yahchouchi, Director of the said institute, in which he underlined the unprecedented economic development and rapid growth that have recently taken place in Brazil, enabling it to become a key player in world economy, particularly in terms of food industries and natural resources. In turn, H.E. Mr. di Ventura pointed out in his lecture that Brazil is not sparing any effort to provide education, health services and job opportunities to every Brazilian citizen, underlining that Brazil has acquired enough authority that enables it to take part in the decision making process on an international level in terms of political, economic, commercial and environmental issues. Di Ventura stressed as well the initiatives taken by his country in order to shorten distances with the Middle East and Arab countries, contributing therefore to lay the foundations of cooperation agreements, promote commercial exchanges and more importantly, make the civil society in Arab countries aware of Latin America as a region rich with opportunities and distinguished by rapid economic growth.