BRASILIA - Former Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim became the new defense minister of President Dilma Rousseff's government Monday.

A member of the ruling Workers' Party (PT), 61-year-old Amorim has a long history of government service, having served as foreign minister under former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from 2003 to 2011. His "independent foreign policy" has elevated Brazil's international presence.

In his inauguration speech, Amorim stressed the importance of the country's Armed Forces, as they represented "patriotism, dedication and respect for hierarchy."

"I will devote efforts to the strengthening and technological development of the Armed Forces ... A peaceful country like Brazil cannot be mistaken for a disarmed and helpless country," Amorim said.

He said the Brazilian government believes that the region should not have weapons of mass destruction and that a national defense strategy is fundamental to Brazil's rising status in the international arena.

Former Defense Minister Nelson Jobim resigned after making disparaging remarks about other senior officials.