Special Report: U.S. presidential election 2008

    RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday the election of Democratic candidate Barack Obama to be the 44th president of the United States represents the recognition of the true meaning of democracy.

    In an event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Brazilian Constitution, President Lula described Obama's victory as an "extraordinary event." He added that the U.S. president-elect is a competent politician.

    "Whoever doubted that a black man could be elected to be president of the United States now knows that it is possible. And it is possible because it is a democratic country, in which society can express itself," he said.

    Lula urged Obama to seek a stronger and deeper relationship with Brazil and other Latin American and African nations.

    Lula also asked for an end to U.S. government's agricultural subsidies for its farmers. The issue of subsidies was one of the main disagreements that stalled the WTO Doha Development Round talks in July.

    The Brazilian president also urged the U.S. government to end its embargo on Cuba, saying the embargo is unjustified to continue. He also wished that Obama's victory could contribute to peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestine.

    The Brazilian government will strive for productive partnerships with the United States, aiming to seek development and reduce poverty, Lula said.