China and Brazil are aiming for closer technological cooperation following the launch of a fifth satellite under a bilateral space cooperation programme.

Xinhua, China’s official news agency, quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying in a message on Sunday that the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) programme “has yield fruitful results”.

The programme has “improved the scientific and technological level in both countries, and made great contribution to the economic and social development of the two countries,” Mr Xi said, after the launch of CBERS-4 satellite on Sunday.

He added that both sides should “strengthen technological innovation in order to further enhance the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership”.

Xinhua also quoted Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff as saying that the launch showed “the potential of cooperation in science, technology and innovation” between the two countries.

China and Brazil jointly launched the first satellite, CBERS-1, in 1999.