In a special session opened by president Garibaldi Alves, the Senate celebrated, on Thursday (21), the 200th anniversary of the opening of Brazilian ports to international commerce. Garibaldi reminded, in his speech, that this was one of the most important moments in the country’s history.

The decree of January 28, 1808, signed by D. João IV - eight days after the arrival of Portuguese Royal Family to Bahia state - was mentioned by Garibaldi as one of the most relevant documents regarding the country’s economic, administrative and politic sectors.

Some aspects of this historical fact were also mentioned by senator Romeu Tuma (PTB-SP), who proposed the homage session, and by other five speakers.

The Navy commander, admiral Julio Soares de Moura Neto, and an Army representative, general Odilson Sampaio Benzi, participated of the solemnity.

Portuguese ambassador Francisco Seixas da Costa and the general-secretary of the Federal Department of Revenue, Jorge Rachid, were also present to the session.