MOSCOW, November 7. /TASS/. The world political situation has complicated Russia’s cooperation with the European Union in the defense sphere, but even in this adverse context many western companies are eager to expand cooperation with Russia, a representative of the Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport has told TASS.

“We are prepared for further mutually beneficial work along these lines, the more so since this interest is mutual. Many European companies wish to go ahead with cooperation and to expand it,” the source said.

According to the official’s forecast, demand for Russian defense industry products will keep growing in defiance of the Western restrictions.

“We have observed no decline. As Russia’s industries undergo upgrade and offer more dual purpose and military products, such interest will keep mounting,” the Rosoboronexport official said.

In contrast to many other exporters Russia is a very advantageous partner, he remarked.

“Many customers appreciate the reliability of provider countries and the independence of their foreign policies. All potential clients wish to ward of the risk the supply of crucial defense products may be unexpectedly halted and, say, all combat aircraft may be grounded,” the Rosoboronexport official said.

In the outgoing year Russian arms manufacturers have concluded $7.5 billion worth of defense contracts and the overall portfolio of weapons supply contacts is kept firmly at a $50 billion mark. Earlier this week Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced certainty this year’s weapons export targets would be met. At a meeting of the commission for military-technical cooperation on Wednesday he urged Russian arms manufacturers to step up contacts with both old-time and new customers and to offer flexible payment and lending schemes.