Peres visits Brazil, Argentina

JERUSALEM, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Israel President Shimon Peres has embarked on a state visit to Brazil and Argentina, accompanied by an entourage of Israeli businessmen, his office said.

Representatives of Israeli companies dealing in water technology, agriculture, communications, medical equipment and defense accompanied the president, a statement released by his office Monday said.

The week-long visit to the two countries marks the first state visit by an Israeli president to Brazil in 40 years and Argentina in 20 years, the statement said.

During his visit, Peres will meet with Brazilian President Luis Inacio da Silva and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

He will also hold a series of meetings with senior government ministers from both countries and discuss Iran's program to attain nuclear power, as well as political and strategic ties between Israel and both countries, his office said.

Peres will also view the preparations under way for soccer's World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, his office said.