LatinWeek

Brazil: On 12 April US and Brazilian defence chiefs, Robert Gates and his counterpart Nelson Jobim signed a military cooperation agreement designed to bolster security ties. The accord promotes collaboration in military research and development, training, joint exercises, and commercial projects. "The agreement is a formal acknowledgement of the many security interests and values we share as the two most populous democracies in the Americas," Gates told a news conference with his Brazilian counterpart. US and Brazilian leaders disagree, however, over the best diplomatic strategy towards Iran. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warns against piling pressure on Tehran through fresh sanctions. Although Gates spoke of cooperation between the countries' defence industries, the deal comes amid expectations US aviation giant Boeing will lose out on a major contract to supply fighter jets to Brazil. Gates also praised Brazil's contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, saying it "ably took the lead in the UN forces' relief and recovery efforts" after the January 12 earthquake.