BRASILIA, Brazil, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Brazil and Russia are strengthening defense cooperation and have formed working groups in the areas of cybersecurity and space.
Brazil's Ministry of Defense said the accord was reached Wednesday in a meeting in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, between Defense Ministers Celso Amorim and Sergei Shoigu.
"We seek a strategic partnership focused on joint technology development," Amorim said.
According to the ministry, Brazil will send a delegation to Russia within the next two months to start a final stage of negotiations for purchase of short- and medium-range air defense systems from Russia.
Brazil intends to deploy the systems during the 2016 Olympic Games, which are being held in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil has already purchased anti-aircraft systems from Russia, as well as attack helicopters.
The two defense ministers also discussed the future exchange of military officers for training.
Details of the schedule and composition of the space and cyberdefense working groups will be worked out by the military commands of both countries, the ministry said.
"We have to study ways to control the use of cyberweapons, but without restricting the creative use appropriate technology development," The Brazilian minister said.
