MINSK, September 29. /TASS/. Belarus is interested in jointly developing the aircraft manufacturing industry with Russia, President Alexander Lukashenko said during a meeting with the Governor of Russia's Ulyanovsk Region, Alexey Russkikh, on Tuesday.

According to the BelTA news agency, aircraft manufacturing is among the sectors where the two sides have forged close industrial ties in recent years. Notably, the Ulyanovsk Region hosts the Aviastar aircraft plant, one of Russia's largest manufacturing facilities.

"Get us more involved in aircraft manufacturing. We have the foundation and the expertise. Assist us with technological equipment, and we will be reliable partners for you. We cannot build an entire aircraft on our own – that is your role. However, you can gradually integrate us into areas where we can contribute," Lukashenko noted.

He pointed out that Belarus has been repairing aircraft and armored vehicles since the Soviet era. "But it is time to move from maintenance to manufacturing. We are already doing a lot, supplying components and assemblies for you. We are ready to modernize and deepen our production capabilities. We are prepared for joint manufacturing with Russia – there is the Osvey aircraft project. We will engage in production together," the Belarusian leader stated.