Russia, Uzbekistan Bent On Aviation Cooperation

Right at this moment, joint Russia-Uzbekistan accords on cooperation in the aviation sphere are being prepared. This was said in Moscow by the president of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov. Besieged by journalists after joint Russian-Uzbek documents were signed, the head of the Uzbek state noted that these agreements are required for laying the juridical base of cooperation with Russian partners for the Chkalov Aviation Works, based in the city of Tashkent. Islam Karimov stressed that the Chkalov works is fitted out with Russian-made accessories "at over 90 percent" and the Uzbek leadership thinks only natural using the works' capacities "in line with the interests of Russia". In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that within the framework of these agreements the sides will independently shape contours for own participation so as to make cooperation mutually beneficial. These accords must have a long-term economic outlook in view, stressed Putin. Noting that "there is also helicopter technology to boot", the Russian head of state stressed that the aviation sphere does hold promise for bilateral cooperation.