the bilateral relations were nonetheless considered fairly close, despite the differing political approaches of lula and bush on various issues. on june 20, 2003, president lula made an official visit to the united states, and he and president bush resolved "to create a closer and qualitatively stronger [bilateral] relationship." on november 6, 2005, president bush visited brasilia and the two leaders reaffirmed the good relations between the countries and pledged to work together to advance peace, democracy, and a successful conclusion of the doha round of global trade talks. president bush thanked brazil for exercising leadership in the world and in the hemisphere, including brazil's role in the peacekeeping force in haiti (minustah), and worldwide efforts to control hiv/aids.