YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 17, NOYAN TAPAN. "I hope that the start of teaching the Portuguese language at Yerevan State University will become an important step in further deepening of Armenian-Brazilian relations. I think this step will be followed by other initiatives as well." Renate Stille, the Ambassador of Brazil to Armenia, stated this at the September 17 event dedicated to the start of studying the Portuguese language at the YSU Romance and Germanic Philology faculty. According to her, the decision to teach Portuguese at YSU was fulfilled within the framework of an intergovernmental agreement signed between Armenia and Brazil. The Ambassador said that the program of studying Portuguese by Armenian students also includes providing them with necessary literature. It is supposed that both the Embassy of Brazil in Armenia and the Armenian community in Brazil will provide assistance in the issue of enriching YSU's library. Arman Kirakosian, the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, who was present at the event, pointed out to presence of traditional friendly relations between the two countries and large Armenian community in Brazil. "Brazil plays more and more important role in the world as a large and dynamically developing country with a multi-profile economy and rich culture. We attach much importance to development of cooperation with that country and highly evaluate Armenian-Brazilian relations," the Deputy Minister stated. It should be mentioned that the event took place within the framework of the Week of Brazilian Culture being held for the first time in Armenia (on September 14-20). Holding of concerts of classical and folk Brazilian music in Yerevan, in Vanadzor and Gyumri, showing of films about Brazil, and others are among the events included in the Week of Brazil in Armenia.

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