Maria Luiza Viotti assumes role as Brazil's ambassador to USA

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appointed diplomat Maria Luiza Viotti as Brazil's ambassador to the United States. She is the first woman to head the Brazilian representation in the North American country.

With a diplomatic career spanning back to 1976, the 69-year-old diplomat has served in various significant roles, including director of the Department of Human Rights and Social Issues (2004-2006) and director of the Department of International Organizations (2006-2007).

Viotti's international experience is noteworthy, having led the office of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that, she served as a counselor at the Brazilian Embassy in La Paz, held the position of permanent representative ambassador to the United Nations (2007-2013), and served as Brazil's ambassador to Berlin (2013-2016).

The diplomat's appointment was officially published this Monday (29) in Brazil’s Official Gazette.