British News Agency

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the nearly hour-long call, the two leaders discussed the strategic nature of Brazil-Russia relations and ways to expand cooperation in the fields of energy, science and technology, and maritime affairs.

Lula emphasized the importance of Brazil's imports of diesel fuel and fertilizers from Russia, stating that bilateral trade should become more balanced by increasing Brazilian exports to Russia.

Lula also said that global developments were discussed during the conversation. He shared his view that the United Nations Security Council has been insufficiently effective in resolving conflicts and expressed sorrow over the loss of civilian lives, highlighting the humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts.

He added that he and Putin share a common vision of continuing cooperation within BRICS and strengthening a multilateral, multipolar world order. Lula also reiterated Brazil's support for Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for the post of United Nations Secretary-General.