U.S. Under Secretary of State Visits Recife

During remarks at an COA event in Washington, DC, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman described her recent trip to Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. In Brazil, she visited Brasilia and Recife. Here’s what she had to say about her trip to Pernambuco:

“I had a terrific visit to Recife, in northeastern Brazil. It is an area of the country that is growing even faster than the national average-an area full of opportunity. All around me I saw the signs of economic boom, as well as evidence of continued challenges in areas such as education, infrastructure, and public services. I was impressed at the forward-looking leadership of so many local officials and private sector representatives with whom I met. They understand the challenge, are facing it head on, and know that broadly expanded cooperation with the United States can accelerate their success.

Pernambuco’s Governor Eduardo Campos, is spearheading investment in all these areas, particularly in education. We signed an education MOU with Pernambuco state to strengthen cooperation in education and professional qualification, particularly in the area of English language training. This is a great example of new partnership at local and state levels that is having an immediate impact on people’s lives. This is, if I may say so, part of the modern face of our public diplomacy in the region. We are building linkages at the grass roots level that will help nurture and sustain the quickly growing ties between our societies.”

Learn More:

• Read Sherman’s full remarks from the February 28 event.

Rachel Glickhouse is the editorial associate at AS/COA Online.