You can thank Bush for this too, you dumb@ss!
Russia and France Discuss Developing New Warplane
The Associated Press
Monday, Jun. 30, 2003
ST. PETERSBURG -- France and Russia are discussing joint development of a new warplane, Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov said Sunday after talks with French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
They discussed "developing jointly a new military jet, a warplane of the fifth generation," Kasyanov was quoted by Itar-Tass as saying.
Kasyanov noted the two countries had already signed agreements on protecting information in their respective aeronautics industries, and that potential cooperation on a military project shows a "high level of trust" between France and Russia.
The new project will be finalized at a Moscow signing ceremony in October, Kasyanov said.
Raffarin on Saturday promised France's help in bringing Russia and the European Union closer. "We understand that Russia gives special priority to relations with the European Union and we are ready to take necessary steps for further integration of Russia and the EU," he said.
French entrepreneurs are returning to Russia and "this is an encouraging signal that proves Russia's success in modernizing its economy," Raffarin was quoted as saying.
He is to meet Monday with French businessmen.
Kasyanov said Saturday that Russian-French relations are strong and "we have achieved very much. The political dialogue between the heads of state and the government has been supplemented by contributions of scientists and cultural workers."
The prime ministers spoke at seminar connected with the opening of the Russian National Library's Center for the Age of Enlightenment Studies. The center, financed by France as a gift to St. Petersburg on its 300th anniversary, features the library of Age of Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.
The French writer corresponded for many years with Empress Catherine the Great, who bought his library after he died. |
