OREANDA-NEWS. December 27, 2010. Dmitry Medvedev had a telephone conversation with President of France Nicolas Sarkozy.

The two presidents exchanged their best New Year’s wishes and congratulations.

The presidents’ offices in both countries drafted a joint statement on the subject of Russian-French cooperation regarding the Mistral class helicopter carriers:

“President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev today informed President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy that, following an international tender to deliver two helicopter carrier warships for the Russian Defence Ministry, announced on October 5, 2010, the Russian authorities have chosen the offer made by a consortium comprising French company DCNS and Russian company USC.

The initial stage of the offer will see the consortium carry out joint construction of two Mistral class warships with subsequent construction of two further vessels.

Mr Medvedev and Mr Sarkozy welcomed the conclusion of the agreement on this unprecedented cooperation project, which will spur industrial development and give a boost to job creation in both countries, as well as demonstrate Russia’s and France’s ability and desire to build a wide-ranging partnership in all different areas, including in defence and security.”