Russian and French defense ministers to talk on Mistral contract

(Rusnavy) : Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov and his French counterpart Gerard Longuet will meet in Paris to discuss perspectives of military cooperation including the contract on four Mistral class assault landing ships, reports RIA Novosti referring to Irina Kovalchuk, Russian minister's press secretary.

Anatoly Serdiukov left for Paris on Tuesday to pay an official visit. He is going to meet with Longuet for the first time – current French defense minister was appointed to this post in Feb 2011. During the meeting officials will talk over issues of global security.

Director General of FSUE Rosoboronexport Anatoly Isaikin previously said that conclusion of Mistral contract might need "years of negotiations".

Deputy defense minister Vladimir Popovkin stated early in March that the contract on two Mistrals built in France and other two – in Russia would cost at least EUR 1.5 bln.

On Dec 24, 2010 Russia and France agreed on construction of two Mistral class assault landing ships in Saint-Nazaire (France), and two more – under license in Russia.