Brazilian, Spanish DMs eye stronger defense co-op

Spain's Defence Minister Pedro Morenes (L) talks with Brazil's Defense Minister Celso Amorim during a meeting in Brasilia March 12, 2013.?[Photo/Agencies]

BRASILIA - Defense ministers of Brazil and Spain met in Brasilia Tuesday and voiced their readiness to strengthen the two countries' cooperation in defense.

"It is important that Brazil and Spain maintain tight relations, because we have shared principles," said Brazil's Celso Amorim after the meeting with Pedro Morenes.

In the meeting, the two pledged to continue defense collaboration, especially in promoting the exchanges of technology and defense materials.

They also discussed, among others, natural disaster prevention, military equipment purchases and cyber-security cooperation.

At a press conference held on the same day at the Spanish embassy in Brasilia, Morenes said Spain is interested in helping with the development of the Brazilian defense industry.

He added that the two sides should explore the possibilities to launch and expand joint projects in such fields as defense, security and space.

The Spanish minister left Brazil on Tuesday afternoon for Peru. He will also visit Chile in a trip aimed at strengthening Spain's military relations with South America.