Condolences on the death of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi

On the occasion of the death of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, President Dilma Rousseff sent, on 22 August,  the following message to President Girma Wolde-Giorgis:

“Mr. President,

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. On behalf of the Brazilian people and on my own behalf, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Ethiopian Government and people.

Leading the Ethiopian Government, Zenawi tirelessly promoted social and economic development in his country. His important role in mediating conflicts and his commitment to regional peace and stability will go down in the history of the African continent.

In this moment of grief and loss, be assured of Brazil’s great sympathy and of the friendship ties between our countries.”

On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, sent the following message to the Foreign Minister and acting Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, also on 22 August:

"Mr. Prime-Minister,

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Excellency Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

As you will recall, on the occasion of my visit to Ethiopia April last, when we had a most proficuous meeting, I also had the honor of being received by Mr. Zenawi. His devotion to Ethiopia and its people, alongside his dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region, will leave a lasting legacy. There is no doubt that he will be dearly missed.

In this moment of grief, I wish to personally convey to his family and loved ones and to the Government and people of Ethiopia my solidarity and most sincere condolences as well as those of the people and Government of Brazil."