Leftist leader da Silva has pledged to “rebuild” Brazil “with the people” as he was sworn in on Sunday as president of the fiercely polarised country for a historic third term.

Ramos-Horta spoke with Lula on Tuesday afternoon for a 30-minute chat that covered among other issues Brazil, Timor-Leste, and the escalating conflict in Ukraine.

There was no formal agenda for the meeting between long-term friends but it was cut short with President Lula ending it “apologizing that he had to go look for a house to stay,” noted Ramos-Horta .

“And it's true, the official residence was not in condition as there was no bed. Our meeting took place in a simple hotel suite where the President is temporarily residing,” he said.

At a time when Brazil is facing deepening domestic economic, environment and social issues, the new Brazilian government could become a bridge with broader international community due to Lula’s good relations with global leaders.  

“Our message to Brazil is one of hope and reconstruction,” Lula said in a speech before the Chamber of Deputies on Monday, after signing the document that formally instated him as

president.

“The great edifice of rights, sovereignty and development that this nation built has been systematically demolished in recent years. And to re-erect this edifice, we are going to direct all our efforts.”

President Ramos-Horta also spent time at the residence of the Ambassador of Portugal in the Brazilian capital in the company of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during his trip, noting on social media “ there will not be a nicer company.”

Ramos-Horta is scheduled to return to Dili on Thursday following a short a visit to Lisbon.