BRAZIL’S Minister of External Relations Mauro Vieira was on Wednesday conferred with an Honorary Order of Roraima (OR) by President David Granger at a simple Investiture Ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency.President Granger said it was an honour to present the National Award to Vieira while highlighting his contributions to Brazil’s foreign relations and the international community as a whole. He

said Mount Roraima represents the point where the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil touch. In fact, Guyana, Venezuela and Brazil have established a tri-junction point over a century ago. “Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana touch at that point so you have a very significant honour,” the President said.
“I am honoured to present to the Foreign Minister of Brazil this award which is first of all a testimony to his more than four decades of service in the Foreign Service of Brazil. It is testimony to his long and successful career in South America,” President Granger added.
Additionally, the President said, presenting the Order of Roraima to Vieira was also testimony to the strong partnership that spans decades between the two states. “Throughout our relationship we have always been able to depend on the friendship of Brazil and this award signifies the commitment of Brazil to peace on this hemisphere.” President Granger stressed that the one day visit by the Brazilian Minister was symbolic not only for bilateral relations between the two states but also the resolve to ensure that the continent of South America remained at peace.

Meanwhile, Vieira just after the conclusion of the Investiture ceremony, expressed gratitude to President Granger for bestowing the Order of Roraima on him. He said Mount Roraima is of great importance to the people of Brazil and he felt honoured having been awarded Guyana’s second highest national award.
The Order of Roraima is given to citizens of foreign nations for their outstanding service. This is Vieira’s first official visit to Guyana and it is deemed a follow-up to discussions between the Presidents of Guyana and Brazil during the MERCOSUR Summit held in Brasilia last July. Vieira has also had discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge on matters relative to Guyana-Brazil bilateral cooperation programme as well as on issues of mutual interest on the regional and global agenda.