LISBON, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said here on Friday that Brazil and Portugal need to have a close relationship.
"Portugal is a historic partner, and we need to learn to have a very close relationship," Lula told journalists after meeting with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Antonio Costa.
Lula, who will assume office for the third time on Jan. 1, 2023, said his government will give more attention to climate issues, including the protection of the Amazon rainforest.
He flew to Lisbon on Friday from the UN climate conference in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh.
