Putin and Erdogan open MAKS-2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have attended the opening ceremony of the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2019.

"I am glad to welcome participants and guests of the International Aviation and Space Salon," Putin said. "First of all, our dear friend, President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan," the Kremlin press service cited him as saying.

The Russian leader expressed confidence that "the achievements of the domestic aviation industry and the technical capabilities of the Russian Aerospace Forces will interest Turkish partners." "This will open up new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation," he pointed out.

"This year’s innovations of MAKS, that will be interesting to both specialists and viewers, include promising developments for unmanned systems, for small and business aviation, as well as breakthrough projects in the field of civil aviation, such as the MS-21 aircraft, the Mi-38 and Ka-62," TASS cited the Russian leader said.

He noted that Moscow deeply appreciates international attention to the Russian air show. "We take it as recognition of high intellectual, scientific, technical and export potential of our country and our unique traditions of aircraft building, which allows Russia to remain among the flagships of the aerospace industry," he added.

According to Putin, the prospects for aircraft manufacturing largely depend on broad international cooperation, on the interaction of designers, scientists, and the efficient use of production capacities.

"We are interested in MAKS strengthening its status of the established platform for business communication, exchange of ideas and signing mutually beneficial contracts," the Russian leader said.