Kazakhstan, Russia discuss joint use of Baikonur cosmodrome
The sides discussed the issues of further functioning of the complex "Baikonur", socio-economic development of the town. In particular, they focused on the issues of developing a roadmap for joint use of the complex, a new draft interstate agreement on further cooperation on the use of the complex, launch of carrier rockets "Proton-M" from the cosmodrome.
Almaty. April 1. Kazakhstan Today - The first meeting of Kazakhstan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission for "Baikonur" Complex chaired by Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister KairatKelimbetov and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov was held in Baikonur town on March 28-29.
According to the Prime Minister's official website, the sides discussed the issues of further functioning of the complex "Baikonur", socio-economic development of the town. In particular, they focused on the issues of developing a roadmap for joint use of the complex, a new draft interstate agreement on further cooperation on the use of the complex, launch of carrier rockets "Proton-M" from the cosmodrome.
As K.Kelimbetov said, until the end of May this year the sides will study approaches to the creation of the Roadmap to update legislation regulating the joint use of the cosmodrome. He confirmed the unconditional commitment of Kazakhstan to the Lease Agreement of 1994 and the Agreement signed by the presidents of the two states in 2004 on extension of the lease until 2050.
"Cosmodrome "Baikonur" is a good opportunity for the implementation of joint programs in the field of innovation, research, education and space," Kelimbetov said.
As part of the further implementation of the project of the space rocket complex "Baiterek", the sides reached an agreement on its phased implementation with "Zenit" carrier rocket.
In turn, Shuvalov noted the importance of drafting a new basic agreement on the use of the complex "Baikonur". The document should reflect the full range of issues related to mutual cooperation. Roadmap for preparation of the new agreement will be presented to the presidents of the two countries in May. The document "will reflect an idea of change of the legal status of Baikonur and the entire property complex, which is located here," Igor Shuvalov said.
A protocol of the 1st meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on "Baikonur" Complex was signed. Participants also watched the launch of the manned spacecraft "Soyuz-TMA-08M" from Baikonur.
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