Prior to departing to Beirut Kassab said at the city hall in Sao Paolo " it is very important for Brazil and especially for Sao Paulo to establish closer ties with the Arab countries.
During a meeting with the Sao Paulo delegation, Suleiman said because of international confidence and the efforts and remittances of the emigrant community, Lebanon avoided the negative repercussions of the current world financial crisis.
Suleiman reassured all the Lebanese emigrants that the financial and security situation, and their future investments in Lebanon are secure.
Suleiman called for bolstering of former treaties signed between Lebanon and Brazil and the enhancement of relations by way of more frequent official visits.
The Lebanese population in Brazil is over 7 million while the total population in Lebanon is 4 million. In Brazil the Lebanese are either recent immigrants or descendants of former Lebanese immigrants.
Immigration of Arabs to Brazil started in the late 19th century, most of them coming from Lebanon, later from Syria and Jordan, Palestine and Iraq. Arab immigration to Brazil grew in the 20th century, and was concentrated in the state of São Paulo, but also extended to Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and other parts of Brazil.
The Sao Paulo delegation with President Suleiman
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