Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wants his government to cooperate with the government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, even in use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, Efe reported.

During an extensive interview published Thursday at daily O Estado de Sao Paulo, Lula defended also cooperation with all South American nations to prevent arms race in the hemisphere.

With regard to alleged Chávez' attempts at joining Brazil and Argentina in cooperation projects in the nuclear area, Lula answered that it is just another area.

"We advocate international cooperation in this area and the right of all countries to access nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under the supervision of specialized multilateral organizations," he stated.