ROME, June 9. /TASS/. Italy’s defense group Leonardo-Finmeccanica is interested in maintaining and enhancing its cooperation with the Russian Federation, a representative of the company’s press service told TASS Thursday.

"We’re extremely interested in maintaining the existing level of cooperation and in boosting it further amid the current challenging global economic environment and a very sensitive geopolitical situation," the source said.

Representatives of the Italian concern will participate in St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 16-18. According to the source, "various business events implying presentations of the company’s helicopters and aerospace products" are expected to take place at the Forum. "We cannot unveil any industrial agreements but it’s not ruled out that some agreements will be reached during the Forum," he said.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica positively estimates its cooperation with Russia’s Rosneft in the helicopter industry, the source said. Last year the two companies signed a joint venture agreement (with 40% owned by Leonardo-Finmeccanica and Russian Helicopters and Rosneft having 30% each) on production of helicopters under the AgustaWestland AW189 brand.