"We expect much from this trip," Putin told the dailies Folha de Sao Paulo and Globo.

"We gave good opportunities to diversify our bilateral relations" in the areas of aerospace and high technology, and nuclear energy, said Putin, who was in Chile this weekend for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperationsummit.

"I also hope to consolidate our first success, which is our technical-military cooperation," the Russian leader said.

Putin mentioned Russia's interest in helping Brazil build a third nuclear power plant, saying cooperation in this area cannot be "neglected."

Brazil has one of the world's largest uranium reserves but has clashed with the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over allowing the nuclear watchdog to inspect a uranium enrichment facility in Rio de Janeiro state.

"Brazil, like any other country, has the right to develop its (civilian) nuclear program," Putin said. "However, we vehemently oppose the enlargement of the nuclear club (of nations with nuclear weapons)."

Brazil has signed and ratified the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the US government has said it was confident Brasilia was not developing nuclear arms.

Putin arrives in the capital Brasilia late Sunday and will visit Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Brazil's Congress on Monday. The Russian president, whose delegation includes government officials and business persons, leaves Brazil on Tuesday.

During Putin's visit, Brazil might bring up its bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

In September, Brazil, Germany, India and Japan launched a united campaign for permanent seats on the council, with mutual pledges of support for each other's candidacies.

The 15-nation Security Council has had the same five permanent members with veto power -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- since the UN was established in 1945, after World War II.

"It is no secret that Brazil is one of the real and viable candidates for a permanent seat," Putin told the Brazilian newspapers. "The topic must be evaluated in all its complexity."

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