Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva struck an optimistic note after a brief encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump, even as relations between the two countries remain strained over trade, digital policies, and judicial disputes.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Lula said Trump appeared “ill-informed” about Brazil and expressed confidence that a direct meeting would resolve misunderstandings. “Let’s bring everything to the table—everything that we think we should talk about. What is not discussable is Brazil’s sovereignty and democracy,” Lula emphasized, in a pointed reference to the trial and sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Trump, addressing the UN General Assembly, confirmed his short exchange with Lula and said the two leaders would meet next week, citing “chemistry” between them.

Despite Lula’s upbeat tone, tensions have mounted since Washington announced tariffs of up to 50 percent on Brazilian exports and sanctions against Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw Bolsonaro’s case related to his alleged attempt to cling to power after losing the 2022 election.

Lula has rejected U.S. criticism of Bolsonaro’s conviction, asserting Brazil “is not a banana republic” that accepts foreign interference. Earlier this month, he reaffirmed Brazil’s sovereignty, declaring: “We are masters of our own destiny.”

The dispute escalated after White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt warned that the U.S. would not hesitate to use “economic and military might” to defend freedom of expression when asked about Bolsonaro’s trial.

As both sides weigh competing pressures, Lula’s diplomatic overtures suggest a cautious thaw in relations, though significant disagreements—particularly over tariffs and judicial independence—remain unresolved.