Brazil's Lula asks Trump to remove tariffs in 'friendly' phone call

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday urged US President Donald Trump to remove punitive tariffs on Brazil in the first official talks between the leaders after months of diplomatic animosity.

The Brazilian presidency said in a statement that the two leaders spoke in a "friendly tone" and Lula "requested the removal" of tariffs imposed on his country's products and sanctions against Brazilian officials.