MOSCOW Deputy Speaker of the State Duma, Lower House of the Russian Parliament, Artur Chilingarov here Wednesday called for expanding Tehran-Moscow ties as well as increasing and strengthening cooperation in science and technology including in the aerospace industry. Speaking during a visit to the Iranian pavilion at the Russian International Aerospace Show Maks '99, Chilingarov said that Moscow places particular significance to its ties with Tehran. Referring to his visit to Iran last month and talks with Iranian officials, he said the talks covered wide-ranging bilateral cooperation in science and industry as well as the aircraft industry.

He said the Russian legislature and government are both interested in expanding ties with Iran and added, "the Duma has, in all cases, fully supported the development of cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran." He described the aerospace show as an appropriate ground for recognizing the advances of the two countries in the scientific field relating to aviation and space and said experts of both countries can make full use of this opportunity.

Iran is participating in the Russian aerospace show which is being held in Zhukovsky outside Moscow. The Iranian pavilion has on display Iran's latest scientific achievements in aircraft industry and related issues through photos and scientific papers. The Iranian delegation is made up of Majlis deputies and officials of the ministries of Road and Transportation; Post, Telegraph and Telephone; Construction Jihad as well as the Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CAOIRI), Iran Air and a number of private firms.

Over 20 countries are participating in the show which is held every two years. This year's show which opened on Tuesday is the fourteenth to be held so far. (IRNA)