The FINANCIAL — Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has called for the restoration of production ties between Russia and Ukraine, and spoke out on July 5 in favor of creating integrated structures, RIA Novosti informs.
"Our enterprises have a lot in common, and for dozens of years they worked as part of one production chain, and these ties need to be restored," Putin said at a cabinet meeting.
He noted that Russia was ready to use the capabilities of Ukrainian machine building plants to fulfill building and modernization contracts for atomic power stations, both in Russia and in other countries.
Putin also reiterated that Russia and Ukraine had agreed on the establishment of joint aircraft construction enterprises.
"When it comes to shipbuilding, Russia is interested in using Ukrainian shipyards, not only for repair, but also for building ships together," added Putin.
Russian-Ukrainian relations have warmed in recent months, after Viktor Yanukovych replaced strongly pro-Western Viktor Yushchenko as president.
Putin expressed hope that the emerging Russian-Ukrainian interregional economic forums "will become platforms for discussion and cooperation, where direct contacts will be established."
