PARIS. May 18 (Interfax) - Russia has noted some progress in the talks over the signing of a final contract for the supply of Mistral helicopter carriers, chief of the Russian presidential administration Sergei Naryshkin told journalists after talks with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe and Elysee Palace Secretary-General Xavier Musca.
Naryshkin spent this Monday and Tuesday in France on a working visit. On Monday, he met with the foreign minister; on Tuesday he, along with French Minister for European Affairs Laurent Wauquiez, held the first meeting of the Russian-French organizing committee for joint cultural seasons and then met with the chief of the French presidential administration.
The talks focused on the final deal involving Mistral supplies to Russia, Naryshkin said.
"Just recently, a week ago, another round of talks and consultations was held between partners. There has been some progress, so we are quite optimistic," Naryshkin said.
"I cannot give any specific timeframe (for signing) yet," the chief of the Russian presidential administration said.