Russia to develop cooperation with European countries in air and space industry

Cooperation with European countries in air and space industry is a priority for Russia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Boris Aleshin has announced. He heads the Russian delegation at the 45th International Airshow held in the suburbs of Paris, Le Bourget.

"Russia is a part of Europe and, undoubtedly, we should build very close relations with Europeans," Aleshin emphasized in an interview with RIA Novosti.

He described as "very important" the proposal for Russia to join the Union of European Air Carriers made by French President Jacques Chirac when visiting the Russian exposition at the Le Bourget Air Show. Russian air companies "should definitely avail themselves of the proposal," the Deputy Prime Minister believes.

Aleshin also spoke in favour of creating a single aircraft building enterprise in the country. Only such concentration of resources will allow Russia to present itself on the world aircraft market with its tough competition, he pointed out. Here Moscow should use the experience accumulated by European countries, he added.