TEHRAN -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday congratulated Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on his victory in Brazil’s presidential election, expressing hope for stronger bilateral relations and expanded cooperation between Tehran and Brasília during Lula’s new term.
In a congratulatory message, Pezeshkian said he hoped friendly ties between Iran and Brazil would further expand, and called for enhanced cooperation in areas of common interest. 
Such efforts, he said, would serve the interests of both nations and strengthen multilateralism, development and international peace. He also wished Lula success in carrying out his responsibilities.
Lula won Sunday’s presidential runoff with 51.79% of valid votes, or more than 60 million ballots, defeating Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, who took 48.21%. 
The margin exceeded four million votes. It marks the first time since Brazil’s return to direct presidential elections in 1989 that a candidate who finished second in the first round reversed the result in the runoff, securing an unprecedented fourth term.
Lula’s victory drew congratulations from leaders across the Americas hailing the result as a victory for sovereignty and social justice.