Brazil is a social reference point for Iraqis, says ambassador.

Renata Giraldi, reporter for Agency Brazil – On the streets of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, people try to maintain their routine, strolling and shopping, despite the climate of apprehension and fear that still exists as a result of eight years of foreign occupation.

Three weeks into his arrival in the country, Ánuar Nahes, Brazil's first ambassador to Iraq after 21 years without a representative in the region, told Agência Brasil that the Brazilian government's objective is to collaborate with Iraqis on economic and social reconstruction.

Nahes also highlighted that there is great interest from Iraqi authorities in learning the details of Brazil's income transfer programs and in establishing commercial and technical cooperation partnerships.

Below are the main excerpts from the ambassador's interview with Agência Brasil.

Agência Brasil – From afar, one might imagine that life in a country at war is impossible, is that really the case?

Ánuar Nahes – I arrived in Iraq three weeks ago, but I can only speak about Baghdad. Life here follows a normal routine; people go to the park, work, and take walks. Businesses are also open. It's like some time ago, when referring to Brazil and the violence, many foreigners wondered: "How does one live in a country like that?" In Iraq, there are pockets of violence, yes, but they are isolated incidents.

ABr – Your mission is to be the first Brazilian ambassador to Iraq, after 21 years, since the government decided to close the embassy in Baghdad and transfer its activities to Jordan. Do you still remember the Brazilians there?

Nahes – Brazil left a good impression here, as many companies in the oil and construction sectors operated in the country for years. There was also a lot of trade in machinery and agricultural implements. The chicken consumed here is from Brazil. Organizing the embassy is also cooperating with the reorganization of the country. We are installing communications, making contacts and working; next week, the furniture from Oman [capital of Jordan] will arrive.

ABr – But last year, you began your work when you organized the first working meeting of the Brazil-Iraq Joint Commission. What are the priorities?

Nahes – This meeting was in September [2011], in Brasília. Another one is expected in the second half of this year. There is a desire to establish commercial partnerships and technical cooperation in various areas. Iraqis are working towards the reconstruction of the country in many sectors, not just the political and economic ones.

ABr – So, can Brazil contribute to this reconstruction process?

Nahes – Of course, there is a lot of interest from them [the Iraqis] in learning more about our social programs, such as the family farming program, the "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" (My House, My Life) program, and the "Bolsa Família" (Family Allowance) program. Brazil and Iraq are countries that have more in common than it seems, so this partnership could also happen.

ABr – For those unfamiliar with the Middle East, it's difficult to imagine any similarities between Brazil and Iraq.

Nahes – In Iraq, as in other countries in the region that have experienced and are still experiencing the so-called Arab Spring, people who previously had no voice now do. It's a major social transformation. Brazil has also experienced and is experiencing a social transformation, as evidenced by the increase in purchasing power and the rise of classes that were previously less privileged. Brazil is a reference point [for Iraqis] because of its experience. Are they different societies? Yes, but with something in common.

ABr – After so much time at war, are there few Brazilians left in Iraq?

Nahes – From all indications, yes. But this survey is still being conducted. We haven't been contacted by anyone yet. But we want to know how many Brazilians live here and where they are located as well.

ABr – In recent days, several car bombs have exploded, killing at least 60 people and injuring more than 100 in seven Iraqi cities. Does the climate of insecurity persist in the country?

Nahes – There is still a situation of social insecurity, as organized groups of insurgents and criminals operate in several cities and cause fear. In my case, I received instructions to only leave the Brazilian Embassy and my residence for specific appointments, in an armored car, with a convoy and using security guards.