China’s Xi congratulates Lula on re-election, vows to work with Brazilian leader for strategic coordination

By Aamir Latif

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his re-election as president of Brazil, saying Beijing is ready to work with the Brazilian leader to open up broader prospects for “all-round strategic coordination” between the two countries.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said he and Lula had maintained close communication in recent years through various channels and jointly guided efforts to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, making new progress in bilateral relations, state-run Xinhua News reported.

Lula defeated Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro in Sunday’s presidential runoff, securing a fourth nonconsecutive term with 51.79% of valid votes, or more than 64 million ballots, compared with Bolsonaro’s 48.21%.

The global, strategic and long-term significance of bilateral relations has become increasingly prominent, making the partnership a model of solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries, Xi added.

Stressing that he attaches “great importance” to the development of China-Brazil relations, Xi said he stands ready to work with Lula to take the China-Brazil community with a shared future to new heights, open up broader prospects for all-round strategic coordination between the two countries and continuously enhance the well-being of their peoples.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also sent a congratulatory message to Geraldo Alckmin on his re-election as Brazil’s vice president.

Amir Latif Arain