Sao Paulo, May 8 -- Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday described his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House as an "important step" towards strengthening ties between the two largest democracies in America.

Speaking to reporters at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington after the talks, Lula said discussions focused on trade, tariffs, organised crime, critical minerals and national sovereignty. He stressed that Brazil and the United States could deepen cooperation while safeguarding their respective national interests.

"The good relationship between Brazil and the United States is a demonstration to the world that the two largest democracies on the continent can serve as an example," Lula said.

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