Passing of Ambassador Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the passing of Ambassador Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima today, July 12, in Brasília.

Paulo Tarso joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1955 and, over the following decades, defended Brazil's interests with determination, patriotism, and professionalism. He dedicated a large part of his life to Brazil's economic and commercial diplomacy modernization project. He was appointed Head of the Trade Promotion Department in 1973, a position he held for more than a decade and during which he led a profound transformation of Brazil's trade promotion activities abroad. In 1984, he was appointed Under-Secretary General for Economic and Commercial Affairs.

In 1985, he reached the highest position in the diplomatic career when he became Secretary General of Foreign Affairs, having played a fundamental role in Brazil's international insertion in the final phase of the Cold War. He was Ambassador in London (1990-1993), Washington (1993-1999), and Rome (1999-2001).

Throughout his career, Ambassador Paulo Tarso dedicated himself to the ideal that foreign policy can and should contribute to concretely improving the country's international insertion and the lives of all Brazilians. His courage and creativity touched all those who had the opportunity to work with him.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the heartfelt condolences of all the colleagues of Ambassador Paulo Tarso to his family and friends.