Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

Mexico to strengthen military cooperation with Russia


The prize I would think is Mexico.

Mr. Rogozin said Russia must act more forcefully to counter the U.S. encroachment in Russia's traditional sphere of influence.

Writing in the Moscow daily Trud, he observed, "If I only could, I would create similar problems for [the Americans] in Mexico and Panama."
http://washingtontimes.com/world/20040207-112213-3219r.htm

Russia’s ally, China, already controls the Panama Canal.
#msg-2384357

There are some implications in the following.

-Am



Mexico to strengthen military cooperation with Russia

www.chinaview.cn 2004-06-04 09:55:50


MEXICO CITY, June 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Mexican President Vincent Fox said Wednesday that his country looks forward to closer military cooperation with Russia, such as assembling Russian helicopters in Mexico or importing mixed civilian-military factories.

Fox made the remarks during his visit to the north-central state of Hidalgo on Wednesday. He said that the cooperation in arms manufacturing would be a principal topic in the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will arrive in Mexico next Monday for an official visit.

The two leaders will discuss in detail some projects, including the establishment of a large maintenance center for helicopters inthe central state of Veracruz as the first step to develop an assembling base for Russian helicopters, Fox told the press.

Fox said he also hopes to sign an agreement with Putin on importing Russian plants to assemble heavy machinery for the military industry, construction industry and transport industry.

Mexico, which used to purchase arms from the United States and Europe during the Cold War, began to import Russian weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union. At present, there are 56 Russian-made transport helicopters in service in the Mexican Air Force. Enditem

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-06/04/content_1507760.htm