Brazilian president Lula seeks direct line to Trump to sideline Rubio

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sought to limit the influence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by establishing direct contact with US President Donald Trump, according to aides cited by CNN Brasil.

Lula had reportedly been complaining in recent weeks about Rubio's actions and said he would call Trump in an effort to weaken the secretary of state's influence.

During the call last week, Lula asked Trump for direct communication between the two presidents without intermediaries, whether American or Brazilian, according to Brazilian government aides.

Lula also reportedly told Trump that information reaching the US president about the Brazilian government had been distorted or was incorrect, including information about Brazil's electronic voting system.

The Brazilian president's main concern is a possible attempt to interfere in the country's electoral process, amid a US offensive to support the election of right-wing presidents in South America.

At the Planalto Palace, the expectation is that relations between Trump and Lula could improve if Lula is re-elected this year.

The Brazilian government has also indicated that Lula is prepared to make another official visit to Trump next year if he wins another four-year term.