Learning a foreign language isn’t easy. It takes dedication, patience and a lot of practice.
Knowing the hard work it entails, the new ambassador of Brazil in the Philippines is taking on the challenge to learn the Filipino language as he begins his tour of duty in the country.
Brazilian Ambassador Antonio José Maria de Souza e Silva already began his language classes and managed to say "salamat" to President Duterte when they met in Malacañang. The veteran diplomat from Rio de Janeiro was among the new ambassadors who presented their credentials to the Philippine leader at the Palace Wednesday, Feb. 11.
"I would like, Mr. President, if you allow me to tell you that the next time we meet --- Insha’Allah, in the future --- I may be able to say a few words on your native language. I have already started my classes but not enough to be able to say anything meaningful to you," he said.
In his remarks at the Palace, Souza e Silva revealed that his diplomatic assignment to Manila was actually a personal wish granted. He felt "lucky" and "happy" with his latest tour of duty and promised to strengthen ties between the two countries.
"I am deeply grateful and honored to be the Brazilian Ambassador to the Philippines. Honored because it’s a country that has strong and growing relations with Brazil over the past 71 years. Those 71 --- those 75 years also mark the 75 years of our mutual relation --- diplomatic relationship," he said.
"I am grateful to my President because my coming to the Philippines was a personal wish I had and I was lucky and happy that those wish was granted. So there are those two reasons why I would like to extend to you also," he added.
He also told Duterte that he and his team in Manila would "do the utmost to persevere and to strengthen our mutual relations."
The two countries, he cited, have many fields of cooperation such as agriculture, energy, science and technology, trade and investments, tourism and mutual political dialogue.
"Furthermore, Philippines and Brazil, due to the place they hold within their respective regional groups, MERCOSUR and ASEAN, this can also mean an opportunity to also bring closer together South America to Southeast Asia," he said.
Before wrapping up his speech, the diplomat recognized the Philippines’ efforts and diligence in facing the coronavirus pandemic and expressed hope it will end soon.
"I want to congratulate all of you and hope as we all do that this period ends soon and life will go back and the Philippines will again follow its path of development and growth," he told Duterte.
The 70-year-old diplomat ended his remarks with "Salamat."
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Souza e Silva graduated from the Cândido Mendes Law School and started a diplomatic career in 1976.
He previously served as ambassador of Brazil in Myanmar, Mozambique and East Timor. He also held other diplomatic assignments in Libya, United States, Guatemala, Paraguay, Pakistan, Argentina, Czech Republic, and Congo.