RIO DE JANEIRO, May 6 / TASS /. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that Russia is an interesting country for Brazil and that they look like their Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

He again thanked Putin for the release of Robson Oliveira, the driver of the former player of the Spartak Moscow football club Fernando, whom he was meeting at the airport in Rio de Janeiro.

“We are the same as Putin. I have never denied that. It’s a country (Russia – TASS), which is very interesting for us, “he said when asked if Robson’s release would help to make relations between Brazil and Russia even better. close.

Oliveira was arrested in 2019 while attempting to bring methadone hydrochloride, a drug banned in the country to Russia. The drug was supposed to be intended for the footballer’s stepfather. Robson faced up to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking.

“For us, he is not guilty and no one doubts it,” said the Brazilian leader.

Bolsonaro said in October 2020 that he wanted to discuss the possible release of Oliveira with Putin. He said Oliveira had no idea that a drug that could be legally purchased in Brazil on a medical prescription was listed as a drug in Russia.