Brazil seeks close ties with U.S. after Trump victory

Brazil's President Michel Temer on Wednesday congratulated Donald Trump for his winning of U.S. presidential elections, and expressed his desire "to further tighten the links of friendship and cooperation that unite our peoples."

In a statement, Temer highlighted the common values and historical ties between the two countries.

"Brazil and the U.S. are two great democracies which share values and maintain, historically, strong relations in many different areas," he said, adding that he wished full success to Trump.

In an interview with local radio, Temer added that ties between Brazil and the U.S. are "institutional" and that Trump's victory "changed nothing" for those ties.

In recent days, Brazilian press was unanimous in stating the Brazilian government would prefer a Hillary Clinton victory, due to fears from Trump's potential protectionism.

However, on Wednesday, a statement by the foreign ministry hailed the positive message that Trump took in his acceptance speech.

"We view positively the message of overcoming national divisions and the search of a constructive compromise with all countries, spoken by Donald Trump in his acceptance speech," read the note.

"Brazil will seek to maintain the ties, old and fruitful, with the U.S., for the benefit of our two people. Brazil and the U.S. - two great nations of the Americas - share similarities which heighten and guide bilateral relations," it continued.

In a press conference, Foreign Minister Jose Serra highlighted that channels are open for Brasilia to begin speaking with Trump's team to find areas of common interest. Enditem