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France positively reacts on Russia's intentions to buy heli-carrier
10/01/2009 Source:France positively reacts on Russia's intentions to purchase Mistral-type helicopter carrier, said Herve Morin, French Defense Minister on Thursday press conference in Moscow.
Russia is currently considering possibility of procurement one or two French Mistral-type helicopter carriers and the technology to construct these ships in Russia.
"France is open for partnership in the area of weaponry, particularly for purchase heli-carrier by Russia", said Morin.
Minister added that France is ready to cooperate with Russia in the military. "We have a palmary example of such interaction in Chad ", said the minister. He reminded that Russian ships are also participating in international anti-piracy operation near Horn of Africa.
"We appreciate initiatives of the French party as related to Gulf of Aden operation, necessity to meet each other more frequently and the understanding of our interest to buy air-carrying vessel (helicopter carrier). I believe that our meeting was very productive", said in his turn Anatoly Serdiukov, Russian Minister of Defense concluding the talks.
He also said that Russia intends to purchase "not one but several ships of this class". "We have been discussing this matter with my French colleague today", said the head of MoD.
According to him, French Defensive Minister remarked that Russia and France should coordinate anti-piracy activities near Somali coast.
"I suppose it is interesting issue for both sides and we will make steps in this direction", said Serdiukov.
He also reminded that under Russian President's decision made recently, Russian ships are on permanent patrol mission in this region, so Russia needs "both technical assistance and coordination of actions" there.