MOSCOW, Russia, Aug 28 (NNN-TASS) – Leaders of Turkey and Russia expressed their intent to further develop their cooperation in the defence and aviation industry, at the MAKS 2019 International Aviation and Space Salon, a biennial showcase of Russia’s aerospace industry.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Zhukovsky Airport, near Moscow, alongside his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Erdoğan said, he believed that “the synergy we have been cultivating with Russia in aviation and space technology will help deepen bilateral relation.”
The two leaders later toured the exhibition and inspected various military and civilian aircraft.
Erdoğan was in Moscow for a one-day trip, as part of which the leaders discussed bilateral relations and international issues.
Ahead of the bilateral meeting, Erdoğan told reporters that he was “pleased” to visit the fair, and seeing fighter aircraft and passenger planes. He said the steps Russia has taken in space aviation proves its position in the science world.
Putin, for his part, said Russia and Turkey can unite efforts in the industry for aircraft construction.
“We have introduced you to a whole chain of both military and civilian production. This demonstrates not only Russia’s capabilities in the aerospace sector, but also demonstrates the possibilities of cooperation.
“We know about your plans for the high-tech development of the economy. We could combine our efforts in areas that are most in demand,” he said.
“Turkey and Russia can carry out joint work on the Su-35 fighter jets and can also cooperate on the Su-57 planes. We do not only have the potential to sell, but also to jointly produce,” Putin said.
Erdoğan noted that Ankara’s purchase of the S-400 missile defence systems proceeded, despite many rumours and threats, and the delivery for the second battery began today. “I’d like to maintain this solidarity with Russia, in various defence industry fields, such as the joint production of airliners, fighter jets and radar scramblers,” he said.
Turkey last month began receiving Russia’s advanced S-400 missile defence system, evoking the ire of the U.S. The first plane carrying parts of the second S-400 battery landed in Ankara’s Mürted Air Base, the Defence Ministry said, Tuesday.
Erdoğan also invited Putin and the Russian people to Teknofest, Turkey’s largest aerospace and technology festival, which will take place between Sept 17-22, at Istanbul Airport.
Putin, for his part, said Moscow “deeply appreciates” the global attention paid to the MAKS Airshow.– NNN-TASS
