Washington, 6/23/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Following a meeting with US president George W. Bush that lasted almost three hours, president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had a good-humored answer when asked if he liked Bush: "The person I really like is Marisa Leticia [the First Lady]."

Lula went on to say that although he and Bush are people with different ideological positions there is no reason they cannot have a civilized relationship, especially with regard to issues of mutual interest.

"We know how important the US and American investors are to Brazil. We want to treat them with attention. We also believe that president Bush sees Brazil as an important partner," said Lula, explaining that Bush knows the importance of Brazil in keeping peace in South America.

Lula said his relationship with Bush was not personal, but that of chiefs of state. "I am convinced we have a chance to build a perfect relationship with the United States," concluded Lula. (AB)