In a prestigious ceremony, the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, His Excellency President Lula Da Silva, has conferred upon Minister Naledi Pandor, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, the esteemed Grand Cross of the Order of Rio Branco.
The award, which is a symbol of recognition for exceptional service and merit in diplomacy, will be presented by Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho, the Brazilian Ambassador to South Africa. This honorific event will take place at the Brazilian Official Residence in Pretoria, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, 17 May 2024
- Time: Arrival at 13h00 for a 14h00 start
- Venue: Brazilian Official Residence, 357 Edward Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria
Members of the media are invited to partake in this momentous occasion and are kindly requested to confirm their attendance by today, 16 May 2024, through the following email addresses: michael.lawson@itamaraty.gov.br and rosela.alves@itamaraty.gov.br.
The Brazilian Government has expressed that the decision to honor Minister Pandor with this award is rooted in her unwavering commitment to fostering a fair and beneficial relationship between South Africa and Brazil, both bilaterally and on the global stage.
The Order of Rio Branco, established in 1963 and named after the Baron of Rio Branco, José Maria da Silva Paranhos Jr., is one of Brazil’s most distinguished awards. It celebrates individuals, entities, and institutions that have made significant contributions to Brazilian diplomacy. The Grand Cross, the apex of this order, is a testament to Minister Pandor’s dedication to international cooperation and diplomacy.
