Brasília – The Iranian ambassador in Brazil, Mohsen Shaterzadeh, refutes the Idea that the relationship between Brazil and Iran is based only on the friendship between presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In an exclusive interview with Agência Brasil reporters, the ambassador declared that no matter who succeeds Lula the tendency is for Brazil-Iran ties to increase.
In Shaterzadeh’s opinion Brazil and Iran have complementary economies and for that reason there is no reason not get closer. “Our view is that the relationship is not based only on friendship. It goes far beyond that,” said the diplomat. “Of course, the charismatic personality of president Lula helps a lot. But certainly the new government will not reject Iran.” [Brazil has presidential elections in October]
The ambassador went on to say that the distinct characteristics of the economies in Brazil and Iran opened the door to trade opportunities, even with United Nations Security Council sanctions in effect. “It is not just that Brazil is important to Iran. Iran is also important to Brazil,” he declared.
Shaterzadeh affirmed that “Together our two countries can reach agreements in various areas, such as technology and energy. In our view, the existing partnership tends to expand no matter who wins the election in Brazil.”
According to the Iranian Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Brazilian imports of Iranian goods increased 28.2% in 2009, going from $15 million to $19 million. Iran exports 0.01% of Brazilian imports.
At the moment, total bilateral Brazil-Iran trade is over $1.2 billion annually. Brazil sells beef and whole chicken, along with corn, soy, sorghum, sugar and soy oil to Iran.
Ambassador Shaterzadeh points out that in the first half of this year bilateral trade has expanded 58%, and quickly adds “in spite of the restrictions on Iran.”
In 2009, Iran had a spike in inflation, when it rose to 18%. There are also problems with unemployment as many workers can only find jobs in the huge informal market. The Iranian government has a large subsidy program for food and fuel, which results in the average Iranian having the impression that living standards are high, according to specialists.

منبع: Agência Brasil