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Brazilian Prez, Obama Crack Up Reporters

By Neal Colgrass, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 14, 2009 7:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – World leaders wanting to pal around with President Obama could learn from his easy banter with Brazil's president, Reuters reports. Visiting the White House today, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Obama got reporters laughing. "You know, I would love a trip to the Amazon," Obama said after an invitation from Lula. "I suspect that the Republican Party would love to see me travel through the Amazon—and maybe get lost."

The two leaders humorously dealt with issues like the financial crisis and their differences over ethanol tariffs. "With just 40 days in office—to suffer and to face such a terrible crisis the US is facing today, I don't want to be in his position," Lula said. Quipped Obama: "You sound like you've been talking to my wife."

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President Obama greets Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the White House in Washington, Saturday, March 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Obama talks with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the White House in Washington, Saturday, March 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Obama listens to Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the White House in Washington, Saturday, March 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Barack Obama, right, with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Saturday, March 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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In a serious moment, Presidents Obama and Lula discuss a lingering custody battle. (msnbc)

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