Brasília, 12/11/2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking after his meeting with the president of the US, George W. Bush, declared that both countries have much in common: the hemisphere's biggest populations, thriving democracies, complex economies and a high level of industrialization. But Lula also pointed out that the two countries are at different stages of development, an understanding of which must be the basis for the new relationship that began when he met with Bush.

Lula said the dialogue with the American president was frank and that, along with parallel meetings of other Brazilian and American authorities, could pave the way for strengthening bilateral relations. "I see that the present administration in Washington is interested in moving down this road. That is something my government will do enthusiatically," said Lula. (AB)