Far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, during his first official visit to Washington, announced himself an unabashed admirer of the United States and stated that he was looking for a new era of close relations after what he called years of anti-American leaders.

The day before he is scheduled to meet like-minded populist President Donald Trump at the White House, Bolsonaro told business leaders that he would like to partner more with the United States. He even stated that with time Brazil has changed. Moreover, he even mentioned that the American people have been a great inspiration for him. He also added that Brazil maintains a good relationship with people across the globe. However, he is extending his hand towards the US so that the relationship gets improved greatly.

Bolsonaro, a vocal admirer of US President Trump assumed office in January, promising to readjust Brazil with more progressive economies, especially the United States. It indicated a change in diplomatic preferences after over a decade of leftist party rule that had seen Brazil counterfeiting closer ties with regional allies.

Paulo Guedes, Brazilian Economy Minister mirrored Bolsonaro’s message of friendship toward the United States but warned the audience that China, Brazil’s top trading partner, would be there to gather the pause if America doesn’t open itself to more trade with Brazil.

A U.S. senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, appreciated the change in Brazil’s strategic posture.

The official stated that even the friendliest of Brazilian governments was not that friendly. Presently, the US now has a government in Brazil which can be considered as US ally.

Bolsonaro’s meeting with Trump happened within weeks of the Brazilian leader’s inauguration after the two political firebrands conveyed mutual admiration for each other. Bolsonaro even earned the nickname “Trump of the Tropics.”