‘Accept my sincere congratulations on your victory in the presidential elections. The voting results have confirmed your high political level,’ reads the message sent by Putin to Lula.

Further on the Russian president added that he is confident that through joint efforts they will ensure further development of constructive Russian-Brazilian cooperation in all directions.

Putin also wished the new president of Brazil success in his work as head of state, as well as health and prosperity.

Lula da Silva won Sunday’s ballot in Brazil with 50.90 percent of the vote, compared to 49.10 percent for his rival, incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, and will assume his third term as head of the South American country’s executive on January 1, 2023. jrr/jf/gfa.