Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) on his victory in the presidential election in a message published by the Kremlin's press service on Monday, according to Brasil de Fato.

In the letter, which addresses the Brazilian as “dear friend”, Putin praised Lula's efforts to protect Brazilian sovereignty and its “legitimate interests on the global stage”. The Russian president also said Moscow and Brasília will keep working closely to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas and constructive interaction within the United Nations (UN), BRICS, the G20 and other multilateral bodies.