Brazil looks to strengthen relations with Russia under re-elected President Lula - ambassador

MOSCOW. Oct 30 (Interfax) - Brazil looks to deepen its cooperation with Russia during the fourth presidential term of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was recently re-elected to the post, Brazilian Ambassador to Russia Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos said in an interview published in the Thursday issue of Izvestia.

"The incumbent administration [in Brazil] looks forward to further strengthening relations with Russia during Lula's fourth presidential term," he said.

This cooperation will develop both at the bilateral level and within the frameworks of BRICS, the UN, and the G20. Expanding economic engagement will remain Brazil's key priority, the ambassador said.

Brazil aims to increase trade volume, which amounted to nearly $9 billion in January-September 2026, and reduce the trade imbalance. Brazil's imports from Russia totaled $7.65 billion, while its exports to Russia amounted to only $1.31 billion in said period, Izvestia said.

"We will continue our efforts to diversify trade relations and increase both the volume and value of trade, while particularly focusing on reducing our trade deficit with Russia," the ambassador said.

Brazil held the second round of presidential elections on October 25, which was won by the incumbent president, Lula da Silva. His opponent, Flavio Bolsonaro, did not concede defeat and vowed to continue his political campaign from abroad, arguing that the decision to extend voting hours prompted a number of irregularities.