President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, expressing Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between both countries.

“I congratulate my friend, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, on his re-election for a record fourth term.

“Your renewed mandate offers an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Mr Tinubu said in a statement on Monday.

He said Nigeria and Brazil, as leading nations of the Global South, should promote economic integration and advance their shared interests in a rapidly changing global order.

Mr Tinubu added, “I look forward to expanding cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and food security, energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, science and technology, education, aviation and cultural exchange.”

The president reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities across Africa, South America and the Global South.

“I affirm Nigeria’s continued commitment to working with Brazil to strengthen multilateral cooperation and advance shared priorities in Africa, South America and across the Global South,” he stressed.

He then wished Mr Lula Da Silva a successful new term in office.

Mr Lula Da Silva, 80, won a record fourth non-consecutive term on Sunday, overcoming a first-round defeat to right-wing Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro.

He won more than 51 per cent of the votes to Mr Bolsonaro’s 48 per cent.

(NAN)