The strategic goal of cooperation regarding the exports of the aerospace sector is set to introduce Russian technological segments into the manufacturing of spacecraft by foreign partners, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said when opening a meeting of the Government Commission on Export Control.

"We should keep [ownership rights to] cutting-edge, competitive technological achievements and only allow foreign partners to produce such technologies under licence. This will allow us to create the environment for long-term mutually beneficial cooperation," Mr Ivanov said.

"I would like to say unreservedly that the development of international cooperation in space exploration for peaceful purposes is a priority area for Russia's space policy," he said.

According to Mr Ivanov, Russia possesses unique technologies for manufacturing spacecraft, boosters and rocket engines. "In essence, this is our national heritage created by generations of Russian scientists, designers and engineers, which must be carefully preserved and developed," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

He pointed out that cooperation in this sphere should be based not only on the condition of mutual benefit, but also within the strictly outlined boundaries meeting the interests of defence security and Russia's political and economic priorities, as well as in full compliance with Russia's international obligations in the field of export control.

"What is of crucial importance in this area is interdepartmental coordination and reliable monitoring of exports of scientific, technical and other products of the missile and space sector," Mr Ivanov said.