Klebanov and Chirac in talks on major new agreement (206 words)

Published: 6/22/2001

During his recent visit to France to attend the Paris Air Show, Deputy Prime Minister, Ilya Klebanov met with French President, Jacques Chirac and other French officials, in order to discuss the development of a major 10 year agreement on cooperation between Russia and Europe in civil aviation that, according to reports, will be ready to be signed by President Chirac next month when he visits Moscow. Both sides are already cooperating on the development of the advanced trainer, the MiG-AT, powered by a French engine and with French avionics and are optimistic of sales both to India and Greece. The possibility of a deal with India recently became more likely, when Indian officials encountered problems with the BAe Systems Hawk, considered the competition front runner. The French government is ready to provide additional funding of Fr400m for the French-made engines and avionics, to accelerate production when a contract is agreed. Klebanov also had talks with EADS on the A380 Airbus, saying that the role of the Russian aerospace agency was agreed and that discussions were taking place on the details after “very concrete talks in December 2000”.

Article ID: 2604