World news story

Falkland Island Member of Parliament visits Brazil

For the first time a representative of the Falkland Islands' government visits the country

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Dick Sawle, member of the Falkland Islands Parliament, will be in Brazil from 25 to 31 of August. He will visit Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Pelotas and Porto Alegre.

Brazil is considered a priority country for the diplomatic and economic relations of the Falklands in Latin America. Mr Sawle’s will meet politicians, academics and business. During his visit, he will talk about the diplomatic relations between the Falkland Islands and Brazil, as well as economic connections between his homeland and South America.

Programme

Mr Sawle’s commitments begin in Rio de Janeiro, on Monday, 26 August, where the parlamentarian will meet with a representative of the British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham). During the afternoon, he will take part in a round table with international relations students at the Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing (ESPM).

On Tuesday (27 August) in Brasilia, Mr Sawle will meet the British Ambassador Alex Ellis, and also academics. On Wednesday, in São Paulo, he will be at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), for another round table with students and academics.

Mr Sawle will be in Rio Grande do Sul, on Tuesday and Friday, considered the main State in Brazil for political and economic relations for the Falkland Islands.

Background

This March, the Falkland Islands government had a referendum to decide the political future of the Islands. 99,8% of voters reafirmed the will to remain as an UK Overseas territory.

Further Information

Rafael Câmara, British Embassy Press Office

61 3329 2341

rafael.camara@fco.gov.uk

Published 26 August 2013