Re-launched at the highest level by President Barack Obama’s visit to Brasilia in March 2011, the dialogue between Brazil and the United States gained visibility and momentum when President Dilma Rousseff visited Washington on April 9^th. In a sign of Brazil’s growing presence and influence in world affairs, the two leaders' agenda encompassed global issues such as international peace and security, climate change, and the international economic outlook, as well as topics of bilateral interest.

The timing of the Brazilian President’s visit, just days before the opening of the Sixth Summit of the America’s, in Colombia, adds to its importance. Parallel events before and during the visit involving leaders of both countries education, scientific and business communities call attention to the range of challenges and opportunities for cooperation both countries confront in the fields of education, innovation, international competitiveness and infrastructure.

On Monday, March 12^th, the Brazil Institute convened a half-day seminar to assess the state of Brazil-U.S. relations and preview President Rousseff’s visit. 

EVENT SPEAKERS:

His Excellency Mauro Vieira, Ambassador of Brazil to the United States

The Honorable Roberta Jacobson, Acting-Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemipshere, Department of State

Daniel Restrepo, Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere, National Security Council

Leonardo Martinez-Diaz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, Department of Treasury

The Honorable Anthony Harrington, former U.S. Ambassador to Brazil and Chairman of the Brazil Institute Advisory Board 

Julia Sweig, Director for Latin American Studies, Council on Foreign Relations

Carl Meacham, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Staff

Peter Hakim, President Emeritus, Inter-American Dialogue

João Augusto de Castro Neves, Analyst, Latin America, Eurasia Group

Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute