According to RIA Novosti, the ambassador said this during a meeting with Vice Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia Konstantin Kosachev.

“We consider Russia as an important partner with which we are ready to strengthen cooperation,” Soares said.

According to him, Kosachev's visit had a positive impact on the further strengthening of relations between Russia and Brazil.

In early January, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko announced the readiness and interest of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to restart Russian-Brazilian relations in many areas.