Ambassador: Israeli agents to stay in Brazil for as long as necessary
A team with 136 Israeli agents—among them doctors, engineers and other experts—is in Brazil to help the search and rescue operations following the disaster in Brumadinho and will stay to provide assistance for as long as it proves necessary. The statement was made by Israeli Ambassador to Brazil Yossi Shelley.
“The team is enthusiastic, and Israel is here carrying out the same work of humanitarian aid they did in other countries, like Mexico and the Philippines,” the diplomat told Agência Brasil. This cooperation, he went on to say, involves “the great value of friendship and humanity” between the two countries.
“We’re mobilizing 136 military agents, among them men and women, specially trained to save lives. We brought sniffer dogs, probes, special equipment for mobile signal detection, divers, medical care, and fire fighters. We have the conditions to locate people both alive and dead,” he said.
Negotiations
The talks before the engagement of the multidisciplinary team were held between President Jair Bolsonaro and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, Shelly said.
“The friendship between Israel and Brazil is stronger than ever. I remember I said Bolsonaro is a second Oswaldo Aranha, because he does so much in so little time that he deserves the title. People must understand the value of the things Bolsonaro has done.”
The diplomat underscored the role of Brazil–Israel relations. “The Brazilian people have so many connections with Israel. Sadly, a few years ago, they were a little undermined. Now, thank God, we will enjoy this friendship again. Time will show how the actions between the two countries will be carried out.”
Science and technology
In another aspect of bilateral cooperation, Brazilian Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Communications Marcos Pontes is in Israel to become familiar with the Israeli state-of-the-art technology for water desalination.
“[Marcos Pontes] is on an official visit. He will examine our water desalination, reuse, and treatment plants. This trip is of the utmost importance for the two nations.”
