Russia and Brazil intend to expand cooperation in space and aircraft industries

During a joint press conference in the Brazilian Defense Ministry, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov and Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Viegas announced that they consider Russia and Brazil as strategic partners.

Sergei Ivanov underlined that during negotiations the sides discussed issues of military and military-technological cooperation, especially in the sphere of space and aircraft industries.

According to Mr. Ivanov, in terms of space exploration, the sides discussed Russia's assistance to Brazil in manufacturing liquid-fuel carrier-rockets. "Russia has vast experience in developing and using such carriers, and we do not exclude the possibility of mutual cooperation in the development of spacecraft," said the Russian minister.

The Brazilian defense minister announced that Russian aircraft manufacturing companies Sukhoi and MiG, which participate in the ongoing tender for procurement of advanced fighters for the Brazilian Air Force, have rather realistic chances to win.

Jose Viegas expressed gratitude toward Russia for its participation in the investigation of an accident at the Brazilian space center in Alcantra in August 2003. "This gesture is indicative of the high level of cooperation between Russia and Brazil," he pointed out.