Asian leaders hail Lula’s victory in Brazil election

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Asian leaders on Monday congratulated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his historic election victory, securing a fourth nonconsecutive term as Brazil's president.

Lula defeated Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff, winning 51.79% of valid votes, or more than 60 million ballots, compared with Bolsonaro's 48.21%.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung congratulated Lula, expressing confidence in his leadership.

"I believe that, based on the trust and expectations bestowed by the Brazilian people, you will continue to play a significant role going forward," Lee said.

"I sincerely cheer for you to advance vigorously toward the future of Brazil that you have envisioned," Lee added in a statement on US social media platform X, recalling his meetings with Lula.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described Lula's victory as "a hard-fought contest that has given him a renewed mandate from the Brazilian people to lead their great nation."

"His lifelong commitment to social justice, to reducing poverty and to ensuring that the voices of developing countries are heard has earned respect well beyond Brazil," Anwar said.

Under Lula's renewed mandate, Anwar said Malaysia and Brazil could strengthen trade and investment while advancing cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Latin America.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Lula's victory has "defeated the forces of corruption, division and political lies."

The historic victory in Brazil "shows that the people cannot be fooled by bankrupt political dynasties and the ghosts of the past who believe might is greater than right," Dissanayake said on X.

Riyaz Khaliq Khaliq