OREANDA-NEWS. November 26, 2008. Dmitry Medvedev started his official visit to Brazil by laying a wreath at the National World War II Memorial.

After this, all those present observed a minute of silence in honour of the dead. Mr Medvedev made an entry in the Distinguished Visitors’ Book: “I revere the memory of those who were killed in action in World War II. Their deeds will remain in our hearts forever.” Later, Mr Medvedev talked to war veterans.

Brazil is the only Latin American country to have sent its troops to Europe to fight the Nazis. The Brazilian Expeditionary Force, which took part in World War II, consisted of more than 25,000 officers and men.