Serious decisions to be made in January 2001 to reinforce cooperation with Europe

Serious decisions will be made in January 2001 to reinforce cooperation with European concerns which operate in the aerospace industry, Russian Deputy Premier Ilya Klebanov reported to journalists yesterday. Klebanov was quoted as saying that an agreement was reached with the Alcatel company during his recent visit to France. In addition, French Defense Minister will arrive in Moscow in January to discuss matters concerning the coordination of joint activities in the sphere of developing weapons and military equipment. While in Toulouse, the Russian Deputy PM visited the major high-tech center of the European Aeronautic, Defense and Space Concern EADS (Germany, UK, Italy and France hold shares in it). "This company is a good example of deep integration in Europe," Klebanov noted. He emphasized that similar activities are being carried out among CIS countries, in particular between Russia and Kazakhstan." An earlier signed collaboration contract between EADS and the Rosaviakosmos space agency (Russia) will be divided into nine specific parts in February or March of 2001. Among other problems which need to be resolved is Russia receiving access to the cosmodrome in French Guinea which is controlled by the EU now. Talking about the communication industry, a 10-year agreement was reached on the coordination of activities between the Russian Communication Ministry, Alcatel and Talas companies.