Lula wants to strengthen his ties with Trump despite their profound disagreements.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stated his desire to develop a closer relationship with the US president. Donald Trumpbelieving that this rapprochement could promote American investment in Brazil and avoid further trade tensions.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Lula explained that his personal relationship with Donald Trump could also help protect Brazil from possible sanctions or tariff increases imposed by Washington.

The Brazilian leader, however, insisted that their political differences remained profound. He reiterated his opposition to a war against Iran, his disagreement with the American intervention in Venezuela, and his condemnation of what he calls the "genocide" in Palestine.

“My political disagreements with Trump do not interfere with my relationship with him as head of state,” Lula stated. He added that his primary wish was for the United States to treat Brazil “with respect” and fully recognize the democratic legitimacy of his government.

These statements come amid sometimes strained relations between Brasília and Washington since Donald Trump's return to the White House. The two countries have recently experienced disagreements over trade issues, particularly regarding tariffs on certain Brazilian products.

Despite their marked ideological differences, Lula seems to be betting on a pragmatic approach in order to preserve Brazil's economic interests and maintain a direct dialogue with Washington in an increasingly polarized international context.

This strategy also illustrates the Brazilian president's desire to maintain a delicate diplomatic balance between his relations with the United States, China and other major world powers, as Brazil seeks to strengthen its influence on the international stage.