BRAZIL, Ind. – Nestor Forster Jr., Brazil, South America Ambassador to the United States, said he “Could not visit Indiana without visiting the City of Brazil.”

During his visit at City Hall Friday, he prayed, asking God to bless this community.

After giving a history of his country’s connection to our city, he was presented with gifts including a Key to the City by Steve Bell, President of the City Council. Bell explained that Mayor Brian Wyndham was out of town and could not attend.

The Ambassador also received a gift from Brook Reinoehl, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Clay Brown, a member of Annunciation Catholic Church in Brazil, showed the Ambassador a statue of the Patron Saint of the Country of Brazil that was given to the church by a church Cardinal to the church years ago and Andy Stone presented a video about the city and informed the ambassador about efforts to restore the fountain at Forest Park that was donated by the country of Brazil to the city many years ago.

During a question and answer time, Bell said the Ambassador’s visit, “Furthers the friendship between us and hopefully leads to some economic growth for us as well.”

Bell said he and Reinoehl would be talking to the Ambassador and his entourage about ways the city and the country of Brazil can benefit each other. Bell said tentative plans are in the works for, “A team of professionals and business people from Brazil, Indiana, to come to Brazil, South America and tour your wonderful country.”

“We would welcome that very much,” the Ambassador responded.