Brasília – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sent a letter to the new king of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, expressing great sorrow at the death of Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, who was the king.

In his letter, Lula highlights the friendship that has characterized the Arab-Brazilian relationship and calls for a "further commitment to peace and Arab unity." Lula closes by expressing certainty that continued strong bilateral ties will exist with the new king, Abdullah.

Translator: Allen Bennett