Biden, Brazil's president-elect discuss ties, vow to address challenges

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden spoke Monday with Brazil's President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on a range of issues, including cooperation to address challenges, said the White House.

During a phone call, Biden praised "the strength of Brazilian democratic institutions following free, fair, and credible elections," it said in a statement.

"The two leaders discussed the strong relationship between the United States and Brazil and committed to continue working as partners to address common challenges, including combatting climate change, safeguarding food security, promoting inclusion and democracy, and managing regional migration," said the statement.

Lula won Brazil’s presidential election against incumbent leader Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday with a nail-biting 50.9% of the vote.

Bolsonaro has yet to concede or recognize Lula’s win.

After the win, Lula promised to usher in a new era of "peace, love and hope." He also vowed that Brazil would resume its role in fighting climate change, protecting biodiversity and stopping the deforestation of the Amazon.

The call came a day after Biden congratulated the left-wing leader in a statement over his win, saying "I look forward to working together to continue the cooperation between our two countries in the months and years ahead."