Brazil's Lula urges tariffs resolution in call with Trump

BRASÍLIA, Aug 22: Brazilian President LuizI nacio Lula da Silva urged US counterpart Donald Trump in a phone call on Friday to resolve their countries' trade dispute, saying US tariffs were imposed on "baseless" grounds.

Washington imposed two new sets of tariffs on the Latin American giant in July, a move that has become a key campaign issue ahead of Brazil's presidential election in October.

Lula -- who is seeking a fourth and final term in office -- told Trump that the tariffs "negatively affect both Brazil and the United States," according to a statement from his office.

"To remain at the negotiating table is the best option for both countries," he said.

Relations between Trump and the leftist Lula have blown hot and cold in recent months, but diplomatic tensions have flared as the election approaches.

Trump has backed several victorious right-wing candidates in recent Latin American elections. He is an ally of Brazil's jailed far-right former president JairBolsonaro, whose son Flavio is Lula's main rival in the election.

The statement from the Brazilian presidency said the conversation between Trump and Lula lasted an hour and 20 minutes and "took place in a friendly and cordial tone."

Lula, 80, has made national sovereignty a key theme of his campaign.

In an interview last week, he warned Trump: "Don't meddle in Brazil's affairs, especially regarding the election. If you do meddle, you'll lose."�"AFP