Diplomat Maria Luisa Viotti is expected to become Brazil’s new ambassador to Washington, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pushes for more women to hold top diplomatic posts.

Antonio Guterres and Maria Luisa Viotti, back rightPhoto: Europe Newswire / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Viotti, who served as chief of staff to UN Secretary-General António Guterres from 2016 to 2021, was Brazil’s ambassador to the UN from 2007 to 2013 and Brazil’s ambassador to Germany from 2013 to 2016.

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet officially confirmed her appointment, pending discussions with US officials. If appointed, she would be the first woman to serve as Brazil’s ambassador to the United States.

The post became vacant last week when Nelson Foster, appointed by former President Jair Bolsonaro, was fired, a key challenge for Lula’s government as it seeks to strengthen ties with the Biden administration. Viotti’s appointment requires confirmation by the Brazilian Senate.

Lula’s government is pushing for more women in senior diplomatic posts. The source said that Ambassador Maria Laura da Rocha has been appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a woman is also being considered for the post of Brazilian Embassy in Argentina.