''We are certainly interested in developing nuclear energy for peaceful ends, of course for medical purposes and to generate electricity,'' he said.

''Brazil has various nuclear reactors, as does Argentina,'' he added after returning from a tour of China and Russia. ''We will have ours as well.''

His remarks followed comments by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday that Russia was ''ready to consider the possibility'' of nuclear energy cooperation with Venezuela.

Russia and Venezuela have boosted ties in recent weeks after sharp US criticism of Russia's incursion into Georgia.

Russia has agreed to dispatch long-range bombers and warships to Venezuela for exercises near US waters.

During his global tour, Mr Chavez forged key military and energy cooperation deals which analysts said seemed likely to put him on a dangerous footing with the US. Russia's Energy Ministry announced that the two countries would also form a consortium to invest tens of billions of dollars in oil and gas projects in the South American country.

Venezuela is the world's ninth largest oil producer and a major supplier to the US.

But Venezuela's extensive gas reserves are believed to be underdeveloped, with all the 30 billion cubic metres that Venezuela produces every year used domestically.

Russia, the world's second biggest oil exporter, controls a quarter of global natural gas reserves.

Mr Chavez has said recently he has increased ties with Russia as a counterbalance to US power and alluded to that goal again yesterday.

''The Russian fleet has already departed ... and should arrive in Venezuela at the end of November for manoeuvres to increase our defence capability,'' he said.

''We are not going to invade anyone, or engage in acts of aggression towards anyone.

''But no one should mistake our intention: we are prepared to do everything necessary to defend Venezuelan sovereignty.'' AFP