MOSCOW, October 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russian and Brazilian presidents Vladimir Putin and Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva signed Tuesday a contract on sending Brazil's first astronaut to space, and adopted a joint statement covering UN reform, trade, energy and the fight against terrorism.
Brazilian astronaut, Marcos Pontes, is to fly to the International Space Station onboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on March 22, 2006. He has already arrived in Russia to undergo pre-flight training.
The two presidents said negotiations on the Brazilian-Russian project to modernize Brazil's VLS-1 carrier rocket were progressing, and the sides were in talks over the joint development of telecommunications spacecraft.
Putin said Russia supported Brazil's bid to become a permanent member of an expanded UN Security Council, if there is a broad agreement on UN reform.
"We advocate a stronger central and coordinating role for the UN in maintaining stability and security, and its adequate response to modern threats," Putin told a news conference following his talks with the Brazilian counterpart.
Putin said Brazil was Russia's leading trade partner in Latin America and Silva hailed the completion of bilateral talks on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, in which Brazil is already a member. According to the joint statement, Russia's accession to the WTO will "help cement the international trade system and bilateral trade and economic relations."
According to the document, Russia could expand its participation in the construction of hydroelectric power plants in Brazil, and both countries could strengthen coordination between their oil and gas and petrochemical companies, and exchange experience in renewable energy sources, especially ethanol.
The presidents also said cooperation in aircraft building had vast potential. The two leaders highlighted "the aspiration of a Brazilian company, Embraer, to establish partnership with Russian businesses," and said the ERJ-145 regional jet could be assembled in Russia.
According to the document, Russia could supply helicopters and hydroplanes to Brazil, including heavy-duty MI-171A Baikal helicopters and BE-103 amphibious aircraft, which have already been certified in Brazil.
The presidents said the international community could only meet fresh threats and challenges together, with the UN playing the pivotal role, and criticized unilateral action. The two countries also reaffirmed their respect for the principles of nuclear non-proliferation, and their commitment to space remaining de-militarized.
Putin and Silva said they were ready to enhance cooperation between regional organizations, comprising the two countries. For example, Russia and Brazil are members of the BRIC group of four of the world's most rapidly developing economies, which also includes India and China.
