Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the winner of Brazil’s presidential election, and said he wanted to develop “constructive cooperation” with him, the Kremlin said, citing AFP.

Please accept my sincere congratulations (…) The election results have confirmed your great political authority,” Putin said in a message to Lula, the Russian presidency reports.

“I hope that through joint efforts we will ensure the further development of Russian-Brazilian constructive cooperation in all spheres,” he added.

Lula was elected on Sunday after a narrow victory over far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who has been accused of not sufficiently condemning Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

For several years, Russia has been trying to deepen relations with the countries of Latin America, especially with Brazil, which is part of the so-called BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).