The Embassy of Brazil in Lisbon celebrated on September 7th the 204th anniversary of Brazil's Independence with a reception at the Official Residence of Ambassador Raimundo Carreiro and Ambassadress Maria José de Ávila. The event took place between 6pm and 8pm and was attended by former Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portuguese and Brazilian authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Luso-Brazilian community. The ceremony included the performance of the national anthems by the Navy Band, with interpretation by Taiana Froes, followed by a speech by the ambassador and a moment of fellowship.
On this occasion, Raimundo Carreiro took stock of his four years of diplomatic mission in Portugal, considering that each celebration of September 7th allowed him to witness a continuous process of bilateral rapprochement. The ambassador highlighted that the relationship between the two countries has been becoming closer, with reflections in the presence of the Brazilian community, which already represents approximately 5% of the Portuguese population, in the dialogue between authorities, and in economic relations. Carreiro recalled the historical path that began with Portuguese recognition of Brazilian independence, which took place in a particular context of family relationship between King John VI and Emperor Pedro I.
The diplomat also highlighted Portugal's role in the process of commercial rapprochement between Mercosur and the European Union, noting that the agreement signed in January 2026 represents one of the largest areas of economic integration in the world, with approximately 720 million people and a combined GDP exceeding 22 trillion dollars. In the interview granted to the Incomparáveis Agency, Carreiro stated that Portugal holds a relevant position in linking Brazil to the European space, while Brazil also assumes a role of Portuguese connection to South America. The ambassador also mentioned recent visits by authorities between the two countries, including that of Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to Brazil and President Lula's visit to Lisbon.
Carreiro dedicated part of his speech to Brazil's general elections in October 2026, reporting that approximately 135,000 Brazilian voters are registered in Portugal, representing approximately 15% of voters abroad. Lisbon and Porto are, respectively, the first and third largest Brazilian electoral districts outside Brazil. The ambassador also announced the new direct GOL airline connection between Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon and the expansion of Banco do Brasil's presence in Portugal. Throughout his speech, Carreiro recalled the main moments of his mission, including the celebrations of the bicentennial of Independence in 2022 and the two centuries of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.
