Statement by Minister José Serra on the death of Counselor Bruno Guerra Carneiro Leão

Yesterday, February 19, Itamaraty and Brazil lost one of their most brilliant young diplomats due to postoperative complications. Throughout his career, Counselor Bruno Guerra Carneiro Leão, 36, was invariably the diplomat we all want to see representing our country abroad: an intelligent, brave, firm and shrewd defender of Brazil's greater interests. In Brasilia and in Geneva, where he acted in some of the most important and complex commercial disputes Brazil took part in, Bruno helped to build the solid reputation that makes Brazil one of the most relevant players in the WTO dispute settlement system. By leaving us in such a tragically premature way, Counselor Bruno Carneiro Leão passes on a legacy of competence and ability that shall forever inspire Brazilian diplomacy in the permanent defense of our nation's highest interests.

José Serra
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil