The diplomat was Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism under former president FHC, in addition to representing the country in Mercosur
José Botafogo Gonçalves, former Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the former president’s government, died this Friday (8.Nov.2024) at the age of 89. The diplomat also represented the country as ambassador to Argentina from 2002 to 2004.
In addition to his position as minister, which he held between 1998 and 1999, Gonçalves was a special ambassador for government affairs; secretary of the (Chamber of Foreign Trade), of; and undersecretary-general for Integration, Economic and Foreign Trade Affairs at .
Botafogo was also vice-president emeritus of the (Brazilian Center for International Relations). Read the note of condolence issued by Cebri below:
“It is with great regret and sadness that we announce the death of Ambassador José Botafogo Gonçalves.
“In addition to having dedicated himself to CEBRI over many years as President, Ambassador Botafogo was Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Ambassador to Argentina (2002-2004) and special ambassador for Mercosur affairs. He also served as executive secretary of the Executive Secretariat of the Chamber of Foreign Commerce (CAMEX) and secretary of international economic and technical cooperation in the President’s office. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he held the position of Under-Secretary-General for Integration, Economic and Foreign Trade Affairs, as well as several others.
“We deeply regret and extend our condolences to the Ambassador’s family, friends and colleagues.”
The also issued a statement informing the death of the diplomat. Read below:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs, with great regret, the death of Ambassador José Botafogo Gonçalves, aged 89, which occurred yesterday, in Rio de Janeiro.
“Born in Belo Horizonte in January 1935, he graduated in Legal and Social Sciences from PUC in Rio de Janeiro. He entered his diplomatic career in 1960. As a diplomat, he held important positions in Brasília, including head of the Financial Policy Division (1970) and Head of the Commercial Policy Division (1977). His knowledge and experience in economic-commercial and financial issues led him to hold positions as a member of the Delegation in charge of renegotiating the Brazilian external debt (1983), Vice President of External Relations at the World Bank in Washington (1985-1987) and Undersecretary -general of Economic Integration and Foreign Trade Affairs (1995-1998) of Itamaraty. He also served as Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism (1998-1999).
“Abroad, he served at the Brazilian Embassies in Moscow (1962-1964), Rome (1964-1967), Santiago (1967-1969), Paris (1973-1975) and Bonn (1976-1977). He was Consul General in Milan (1991-1995) and Ambassador in Buenos Aires (2002-2004). He was also Special Ambassador for Mercosur Affairs.
“He was a consultant in the economic and infrastructure area and Vice-President Emeritus of the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI), an entity he presided over for several years.
“He leaves a widow, Susana, his children Frederico, Rodrigo and Luciana, and seven grandchildren, as well as the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of working with him.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, and the Secretary-General of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maria Laura da Rocha, on behalf of Itamaraty, express their deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Ambassador José Botafogo Gonçalves.”
