Pictured: Carlos Eduardo Sette Camara Da Fonseca Costa, ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil (left) with Sir Arthur Foulkes, governor general. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Federative Republic of Brazil are seeking to forge closer ties in the areas of trade and investments.

Sir Arthur Foulkes, governor general, made the statement on the occasion of the presentation of letters of credence by Carlos Eduardo Sette Camara Da Fonseca Costa, ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, during a ceremony at Government House March 13, 2014.

“The Bahamas reiterates its great satisfaction at having the Embassy of Brazil in our capital, as a symbol of our cordial and broad bilateral relations. We are also pleased with the leadership of Brazil in these challenging times, not only through the United Nations, but also through our growing community of Latin American and Caribbean states,” Sir Arthur said.

“The Bahamas is seeking to take advantage of Brazil’s increasing capacity to diversify its economy. We look forward to further consolidating bilateral relations and exploring avenues for more direct trade and investments.”

“We also welcome the contribution of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency to the technical development of The Bahamas and the region.”

Sir Arthur said that The Bahamas is also exploring ways to diversify its economy by way of renewed commitment to the development of modern agriculture.

“The establishment of The Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Research Institute in North Andros on November 2013 emphasizes the importance we attach to these industries,” he said.

In the area of sport, he noted that The Bahamas would be hosting the IAAF World Relays Bahamas May 24-25, 2014 and again in 2015. “We anticipate this to be a grand event for competition and for camaraderie and hospitality,” Sir Arthur said.

He also said that The Bahamas is looking forward to joining and supporting Brazil in the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games to be held 2014 and 2016, respectively.

“The time is upon us as regards the first and all of us hope that Brazil will enjoy success in staging the 2014 World Cup this summer.”

“We look forward to working with you in the realization of your expressed wish to enhance strategic cooperation between The Bahamas and Brazil. Please be assured of my fullest support and that of my office wherever possible in the discharge of your mission,” Sir Arthur said.

The Bahamas officially accepted Carlos Eduardo Sette Camara Da Fonseca Costa, ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, during a presentation of his credentials to Sir Arthur Foulkes, governor general, in a ceremony at Government House March 13, 2014. Pictured: (left to right) Maria Alcina Motto Freitas Bauder, wife of Ambassador Costa; Ambassador Costa; Sir Arthur; and Lady Foulkes. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)