US President Donald Trump and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke by telephone on Monday. Both described the call as positive.
The two leaders have been at odds over charges against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The former president was accused of attempting to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.
Trump, who is close to Bolsonaro, claimed that the trial was unjust. In July, he signed an executive order that raised tariffs on Brazilian imports from 10 percent to 50 percent. Lula condemned Trump’s action.
After the call, Trump posted a message on social media. He wrote that the talks focused on the economy and trade between the two countries.
He added, “We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States.”
Trump also spoke with reporters. He told them that he and the Brazilian president had a “great talk.” He described the president as a “good man.” Trump added that he and Lula will “start doing business.”
The Brazilian government said, “The two leaders spoke in a friendly tone.” It also said that Lula had asked Trump to remove the additional 40 percent tariff that the US imposed on Brazilian goods.
Observers are waiting to see if conversations between the two sides will lead to an improvement in the strained relations.
AloJapan.com