A CRE (Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee) of the Senate unanimously approved this Thursday (July 6, 2023) the nomination of former Chancellor Carlos França to serve as Brazil’s Ambassador to Canada.

France was appointed by the government of the President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) in June. Previously, in May, the Government of Canada granted OK (“OK”, in French) for the indication. The action is used in diplomatic circles to mean that a country has accepted another nation’s appointment as ambassador.

All 11 senators participating in the Sabbath voted in favor of the candidate. França still needs the approval of the House Plenary to assume the role, which should happen without interference.

In her opening speech this Thursday, July 6, França said that there is “a large commercial economic potential” in the bilateral relationship between Brazil and Canada to explore markets for clean energy and critical minerals.

“At the bilateral political level, I think it is a wish that the agenda of the relationship with Canada become denser, particularly in the areas of science, technology and innovation, defence, energy, trade and investment”he stated.

The diplomat also commented on the visa requirement after being asked about it by the senator Sergio Moro (Union Brazil-RP). Effective October 1, Brazil will once again require a document for Canadian tourists to enter the country. Canada also requires permission for Brazilians.

According to France, the visa is considered a “barrier” and represents a diplomatic matter “difficult”. But said that the end of the document requirement for Canadians and Brazilians can be negotiated with the Government of Canada in the future.

“There is great tourism potential. The Canadians themselves say to me: “we need to bring more Canadians to Brazil”. […] I intend to speak, if my name is approved here, with the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism about this, but I think it is definitely something that can be worked on and can be negotiated. I think there may be a good provision on this.he said.

CARLOS FRANCE

Born in Goiânia on April 18, 1964, França graduated in international relations and law from UNB (University of Brasilia). He is a career diplomat and has worked in Itamaraty since 1991. He started in the administration department.

In 1997, he participated in the ceremony of the presidency of the government of Fernando Henrique Cardoso (PSDB). Subsequently, he served in the United States, Paraguay and Bolivia.

In 2011, he returned to ceremonial, in the government of Dilma Rousseff (PT). In 2015, he graduated from Itamaraty and left to work in the private sector. He held the position of Director of Corporate Affairs and Strategic Affairs at AG SA, of the Andrade Gutierrez group.

In 2017, returning to his diplomatic career, he headed the ceremonial service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was deputy head of ceremonial at the presidency. In 2019, under the government of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL), took over the post.

In April 2021, Carlos França became Minister of Foreign Affairs. Replacing Ernesto Araújo, he conducted a management without surprises or conflicts with other countries, such as China, led by his predecessor. He remained in office until December 2022.