Rosaviakosmos, NASA glad over Russia and U.S. presidents' desire to actively cooperate in space exploration

The Russian Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos) and the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration have received with satisfaction the declaration of the Russian and American presidents on the desire actively to cooperate in the creation of the International Space Station and space exploration, Sergei Gorbunov, press secretary of the head of Rosaviakosmos, said in a RIA Novosti exclusive interview.

"The unity of views of the leaders of Russia and the United States on the crucial problem of construction of the ISS is gladdening," said Gorbunov. However, "it would be fine if the well-wishing words of the American president on the role of Russia in the project were followed by a material aid from the United States for the manufacture of additional spaceships in Russia for the ISS upkeep," he said.

According to information from the United States, NASA specialists are also glad over the American president's support "for the NASA efforts to arrange work in the ISS," the RIA Novosti correspondent quotes Rosaviakosmos as saying.

A high-ranking NASA specialist has said: "The president's words can be decisive for the continuation of the project." He recalled that "on the eve of a publication on results of the investigation into the death of the Columbia shuttle, tough voices are heard in the American Congress to the address of NASA and even the demand to end the flights of the remaining shuttle ships is heard."