Brazil’s president begins visit to European ally Portugal

Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva shakes hand with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa next to Brazilian first lady Rosangela da Silva, at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon (Armando Franca/AP/PA)

Portugal’s president welcomed President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil on an official visit on Saturday, as the Brazilian leader looks to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa received Mr Lula and Brazilian first lady Rosangela da Silva in an official ceremony at the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon.