UPDATE - Leaders across Americas congratulate Brazil's Lula on historic reelection
- Leaders, senior officials from across region pledge cooperation on trade, security, environmental protection, regional integration
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- Leaders, senior officials from across region pledge cooperation on trade, security, environmental protection, regional integration
ADDS ADDITIONAL MESSAGES; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK LEDE
By Gizem Nisa Demir and Ahmet Salih Alacaci
ISTANBUL / WASHINGTON (AA) - Leaders across the Americas congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday following his reelection to a historic fourth term.
Lula defeated Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff, securing a fourth nonconsecutive term with 51.79% of valid votes, or more than 60 million ballots, compared with Bolsonaro's 48.21%.
In messages posted on the US social media platform X, regional leaders praised Brazil's democratic process and pledged stronger cooperation on trade, security, environmental protection and regional integration.
Among the first to offer congratulations was Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who celebrated the outcome as a victory for democracy and the Brazilian people.
"Long live democracy! The people of Brazil have won. Congratulations, President Lula!" Sheinbaum wrote in a post.
Mexico's Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco Alvarez also congratulated Lula, saying Mexico and Brazil would continue working together as "brother peoples."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Lula's reelection, highlighting the growing relationship between the two countries.
"The relationship between Canada and Brazil has flourished under our partnership," Carney said.
He called for closer cooperation to create new trade opportunities, protect the environment and strengthen economic prosperity.
- Election process hailed
In neighboring Uruguay, President Yamandu Orsi said he had spoken directly with Lula, whom he described as a friend, to congratulate him.
"I have just spoken with Brazil's president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a friend. I congratulated him on his victory and on the democratic celebration represented by an electoral process," Orsi posted.
Paraguayan President Santiago Pena also congratulated Lula, highlighting shared priorities between the two neighboring countries.
"Congratulations, Lula, on your election as president of Brazil. I salute the Brazilian people on this great democratic occasion. Paraguay and Brazil share a common agenda of integration and development. We will continue working together for the well-being of our people," Pena said.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz emphasized the historical ties between the two countries and the importance of continued cooperation.
"I congratulate President Lula on his victory. Bolivia and Brazil are neighboring and brotherly countries, united by a shared history and common challenges. We will continue working together to strengthen our relationship and create more opportunities for our nations," Paz wrote on X.
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori congratulated Lula and highlighted the approaching bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Peru and Brazil.
She reaffirmed Peru's willingness to strengthen its strategic partnership with Brazil through greater integration, cooperation and sustainable development of the Amazon region shared by the two countries.
Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast said he had spoken with Lula to congratulate him on the election result.
"Chile and Brazil have a lot of shared future ahead, and we will continue working on an agenda that strengthens relations between our countries in economic integration and the fight against organized crime in the region," Kast posted.
- ‘Common enemies, shared challenges’
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa also welcomed Lula's victory, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing regional challenges.
"Our region has common enemies, shared challenges, and much to gain when we work together," Noboa said, without elaborating.
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali congratulated Lula on securing a historic fourth term, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two neighboring countries.
Ali expressed hope for deeper cooperation on regional integration, trade, investment and sustainable development, saying the two countries shared a commitment to prosperity and mutual respect.
Venezuela's Foreign Ministry congratulated Lula and praised the participation of Brazilian voters in the presidential runoff.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry reaffirmed Venezuela's commitment to maintaining historical ties with Brazil, based on peace, respect for sovereignty, self-determination and regional solidarity.
In Central America, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo congratulated Lula on his victory and praised the election as a demonstration of Brazil's democratic institutions.
Arevalo said both governments shared a commitment to serving historically marginalized communities, strengthening democracy and building more just societies.
"In your new term, Lula, we will continue working to strengthen the ties between our peoples," he wrote.
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino also congratulated Lula and the Brazilian people, pledging continued cooperation.
"I congratulate the Brazilian people on this democratic occasion and especially President Lula on his victory! We will continue working together for our countries," Mulino said on X.
Costa Rica's Foreign Ministry posted a message of congratulations for Brazilians on exercising their right to vote in a peaceful and democratic election.
It wished success to Brazil's executive, legislative and judicial branches in serving the country's population.
- More messages
Belize's Foreign Ministry also congratulated Lula, expressing hope for stronger bilateral relations and cooperation on sustainable development, multilateralism and South-South cooperation.
The ministry highlighted the role of both countries in advancing a more equitable and inclusive international order.
In the Caribbean, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader praised Brazil's civic participation and congratulated Lula on securing another term.
"I salute the Brazilian people for today's civic and participatory electoral process. Congratulations to President Lula on his election to a new term. May we continue working together over this renewed four-year term toward a more integrated and prosperous Latin America," Abinader said on X.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis congratulated Lula and described him as an important partner in addressing climate change.
Davis expressed hope for stronger bilateral cooperation on climate action and economic prosperity.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also congratulated Lula on behalf of the Cuban government and people, describing the election result as a victory for sovereignty and social justice.
He reaffirmed Havana's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting Latin American and Caribbean unity and integration.
In the US, Sen. Bernie Sanders congratulated Lula on X, praising his record on workers' rights and democracy.
"Congratulations to Lula on his extraordinary reelection victory in the Brazilian presidential election. Lula has stood up for Brazilian workers & democracy — and will continue to do so in the next four years," Sanders wrote.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office also congratulated Lula, emphasizing shared priorities on democracy, environmental protection and workers' rights.
Newsom and California were "proud to stand with Brazil and partners around the world who share our commitment to defending democracy, protecting our environment, strengthening workers’ rights, and building an economy that works for working families," the statement said.
Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas congratulated Lula and the Brazilian people on exercising their democratic rights.
He also expressed hope for continued efforts to strengthen relations between the US and Brazil.
Gizem Nisa Çebi Demir,Ahmet Salih Alacaci