Guest speech: Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Antonio José Vallim Guerreiro

At a part of our regular discussions on Energy and Sustainable Development issues, the IMC Export Department (under the auspices of Chair for Intl. Law and Global Political Studies) invited Mr. H.E. Antonio José Vallim Guerreiro, the Brazil’s Ambassador to the IAEA and other relation IOs in Vienna for a guest lecture.

The Ambassador gave a comprehensive view on the socio-economic currents of Latin America in general and of Brazil in particular, regional and national energy policies (in relation to SD, Rio declaration and A-21) including the composition of the primary energy mix, making an extensive reference to specifics of (peaceful usage of) nuclear energy from the economic, environmental, security and geopolitical point of view. His statement was followed by long discussions with students and professors, and by a small cocktail reception.

Additionally, Ambassador Guerreiro remarks offered the IMC Export Fellows a unique opportunity to gain insights into the cultural-ethnic and social set up of the LA continent, present economic and political state of art caused by different history/s of Latina American continent. Stating that: “when you are big, you have to be generous, and therefore Brazil wants to grow together with its neighbors”, Ambassador has turned to the economic growth of Brazil and the region, intra-American trade, MERCOSUR, and views on the Doha round on WTO negotiations.
Answering the students’ questions, H.E. Guerreiro shared the Brazil’s views on issues like: Nuclear Supplier Group, Iran and Korea, the Bank of South, ALBA Free trade initiative as well as the New Left of Latin America.

An eloquent senior diplomat, Ambassador Guerreiro has joint the Ministry of External Relations in 1974, and has served in New York (UN), Cairo (Egypt), Paris (France).
His posts included capacities of the Head of the Division of Sea, Antarctic and Other Space; Head of Division of Disarmament and Sensitive Technologies, and two posts of Director-General within the Ministry (for Special Themes, and for IOs). H.E. has arrived to Vienna in November 2006.

Summing up the event with Mr. Ernst Fietz, the EXPORT Program Director and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, Export Chair and principal host of the event, Ambassador Antonio José Vallim Guerreiro stated that he has been very impressed by our faculty’s interest in the Euro-Latin American affairs. The Ambassador also complimented the commitment and knowledge of our students as demonstrated in the questions and discussion with him. Finally, the Ambassador expressed his willingness to return to our university soon again.
For years Brazil was both a favored PTS destination and thesis work inspiration to many IMC students.

After nearly five years this was the first high-ranking guest from Latin America addressing the IMC EXPORT fellows.

Photos: Hermann Maglock
Text: Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic