Damascus, Activating cultural exchange and strengthening intellectual ties between Syrian and Brazilian writers was the focus of the meeting that brought together Head of the Arab Writers Union, Muhammad al-Hourani, and the Brazilian Ambassador to Syria, Andre Santos, where ways to strengthen those ties were reviewed. Al-Hourani hinted at the necessity of activating cultural work between the Syrian and Brazilian sides along with printing books and translating them into the languages of the two countries, attaching great importance to translating some cultural books, similar to translating the novel 'The Alchemist' by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. Brazilian Ambassador Santos, in turn, noted that this visit is the first to establish joint work between parties in the two states in terms of creating cultural, literary and intellectual exchange. Santos pointed out the need to clarify the False propaganda that some people are still spreading during the war on Syria, and to reveal the facts and the positive nat ure the Syrians have. The ambassador proposed holding a symposium on books by Syrian writers in Brazilian universities, receiving a quick response. The two sides agreed to initiate cultural exchange, publishing, and translation. The Union assigned translator Munir al-Rifai to follow up on matters with the embassy. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency