Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez stressed Wednesday that his country's arms purchase from Spain is for peace and security missions.

Visiting Spanish Prime Minister Jose Rodriguez Zapatero signed seven agreements with Chavez on Wednesday, including one on the sale of transport planes, asphalt-transport vessels and patrol boats.

Chavez made clear that the ships will be used in ocean navigation and patrolling, while the planes in carrying cargo and people.

The military equipment will help Venezuela strengthen its defense capacity and combat smuggling, drug-trafficking and international crimes, said Chavez at the presidential palace.

His remarks came after the US government said Venezuela leads an arms race that will endanger the Western Hemisphere in the future.

Source: Xinhua