Brasília, October 29, 2002 (Agência Brasil – ABr) - Yesterday the president of the United States, George W. Bush, telephoned president elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to congratulate him on his election victory. According to White House spokesman, Ari Fleischer, Bush said he looks forward to working with the president elect of Brazil in advancing democracy, good governance and free trade throughout the hemisphere.

Fleischer added that both countries have excellent bilateral relations and that they will continue with the new Brazilian government. He also said that the two countries share many common interests and fundamental values and goals that will enable them to continue to work closely together to bring great benefits to their people.

Fleischer concluded by saying that the United States appreciates President Fernando Henrique Cardoso's friendship, his work to strengthen the bilateral relationship, and his strong leadership in the hemisphere and the world. (AB)