Nestor Forster Jr.

Account (deactivated) of former Brazilian Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Forster Jr.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Here are my remarks at the farewell ceremony.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

My farewell ceremony, hosted by the State Department, was held today at Blair House. I thank the U.S. Chief of Protocol, @rufusgifford, @State_E Jose Fernandez, and @WHAAsstSecty Brian Nichols for their generous remarks at the event and partnership throughout these years.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

The ceremony allowed me to thank many friends, from the U.S. and other countries, for the invaluable support that I received from them. Thanks to the contribution of leaders from so many sectors, Brazil-U.S. ties will continue to grow stronger into the future.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I attended the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, whose audience included members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from Catholic and academic institutions.
I was glad to meet many friends there and to greet Senator Pete Ricketts @SenatorRicketts of Nebraska.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

I was glad to welcome at the Embassy former U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Michael McKinley, who came for a farewell visit. A diplomat admired by his peers, Ambassador McKinley continues to be, in his retirement, a valued voice in support of the Brazil-U.S. partnership.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

I participated in a farewell luncheon kindly hosted by Ambassador Duarte Lopes of Portugal, with colleagues from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) in Washington. CPLP draws its vigor from the shared cultural and linguistic ties that unite our countries.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I visited with Representative Carol Miller @RepCarolMiller, who is a good friend of my country. Together, we explored ways to foster business opportunities between Brazil and West Virginia. I thank Representative Miller for her support to the Brazil-U.S. partnership.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Upon receiving the news of her agrément, I had the pleasure to congratulate my colleague Maria Luiza Viotti. A career diplomat of exceptional credentials, Ambassador Viotti is admired among her peers and will do much to further advance the Brazil-U.S partnership.

[Embassy of Brazil in the USA 🇧🇷 @BrazilinUSA]

Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has annouced today that the U.S. government accepted the nomination of Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti as the new and first woman Ambassador of Brazil to the United States.

https://t.co/Z6065UVtE5

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

I was happy to meet with Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley again as she leaves Washington to assume her new duties at the head of the U.S. Embassy in Brasília.
Desejo à Embaixadora Bagley muito sucesso e felicidades no Brasil!

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I hosted the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, Daniel Erikson @danperikson, whom I thank for his friendship with Brazil and continuous support to further advancing Brazil-U.S. defense cooperation.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I decorated Eric Farnsworth, @ASCOA Vice President, with the Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil's highest honor awarded to foreigners for their service.
By promoting greater understanding of Brazil in America, Mr. Farnsworth has done much to advance our partnership.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I welcomed the Secretary General of the Brazilian Navy @marmilbr, Admiral Marcelo Francisco Campos, who is on an official mission in D.C. We exchanged views on the Brazil-U.S. defense agenda and prospects for further cooperation between the navies of the two countries.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

I thank the Ambassador @MilenaMayorga of El Salvador for hosting a working meeting where Latin American Ambassadors had a productive exchange with Assistant Secretary Todd Robinson @StateINL on responses to regional challenges in law enforcement and narcotics control.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

It was an honor to join the inauguration ceremony of the new Inter-American Development Bank President Ilan Goldfajn, whom I congratulate for his emphasis on leadership through dialogue and clear vision of the bank as the key multilateral development institution for the region.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I was honored to welcome Minister Plenipotentiary Joselin Croes of the Country of Aruba. Together, we considered possible new areas of Brazil-Aruba cooperation, such as renewable energy, tourism, and trade.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Today I welcomed the new Air Force and Defense Attaché, General Fábio Luís Morau. We exchanged views on the dynamic Brazil-U.S. defense cooperation, and I wished him success in his mission to help further strengthen this strategic area of our relationship.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

and their desire to live in a peaceful and orderly society.

Political violence is not acceptable in a democracy.

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

I followed yesterday's events in Brazil with grave concern. They constitute a sad episode that does not reflect the commitment of the vast majority of Brazilians to the values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, (cont.)

[Embassy of Brazil in the USA 🇧🇷 @BrazilinUSA]

Acts of coup-mongering violence in Brasilia

https://t.co/8vklLeFPpg

[Nestor Forster Jr. @Amb_Forster]

Pelé, the greatest soccer player of all time, transformed the sport into an art form. I have fond childhood memories of watching him playing in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy. Pelé will remain a symbol of the spirit of sport and a model for professional players. R.I.P.