Brasilia, Mar 13 (IANS/EFE): Spain wants to broaden the "intense" economic and political relationship it has with Brazil into the defenxe realm, the Iberian nation's defence minister told EFE here.

"This is about a longstanding and fruitful relationship" that also opens possibilities to work together in security and defence, areas in which the two countries have joint responsibilities "for the maintenance of world security", Pedro Morenes said Tuesday.

He arrived in Brasilia from Cape Verde, where he had met with the president and defence minister to discuss matters related to the Atlantic region, where there are problems with drug, weapons and human trafficking that both countries intend to fight jointly.

Morenes said that Spain is interested in cooperating with Brasilia in the development of the defense industry.

"Brazil has decided to broaden its operational capacity" in defence and Spain "wants to be at its side", sharing experiences and exploring the possibilities for cooperation and joint business ventures, he said.

In the aeronautics sector, cooperation with Brazil will allow the sharing of Spain's accumulated experience in the development of the European A400 M military transport and tanker aircraft, said Morenes regarding a similar project planned by the Brazilian air force.

Another matter that the minister will discuss with Brazilian authorities is the possibility of cooperating in the disaster and natural catastrophe management area via Spain's military Emergencies Unit.

Morenes will be discussing these issues with Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim.