DOHA, Qatar. Oct 28 (Interfax-AVN) - The Rosoboronexport state-owned arms trader exhibits a broad range of special weapons and equipment at the 4th international exhibition Milipol Qatar 2002 that opened in Doha on Monday.
"Many types of special weapons that we exhibit in Qatar are in the inventory of Russian law-enforcement agencies and were used in the liberation of hostages taken by Chechen terrorists in Moscow," Rosoboronexport Deputy Director General Anatoly Isaikin, head of the Russian delegation to the show, told Interfax- Military News Agency.
Terrorism is number one problem for any nation, Isaikin said. "There is not a single country that feels absolutely safe," he stressed.
Experts forecast that the interests in special equipment and weapons will grow. That is why Rosoboronexport will continue to promote them on the global market. In addition to Milipol Qatar 2002, the company has taken part in two exhibitions of special weapons and equipment this year, Isaikin said.
The previous show in Jordan culminated in the signing of a contract for Russian special weapons supplies to this country, he noted. Moscow earlier hosted a presentation of special weapons that involved several Gulf nations, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
"The situation in the Middle East can hardly be called quiet. Nations of the region traditionally pay a lot of attention to security issues. And we are hoping to sign a series of new contracts in the near future. That is why Rosoboronexport exhibits Russian special weapons here," Isaikin said.
While promoting special equipment and weapons on the global market, Rosoboronexport will continue interaction with secret services and law-enforcement agencies of foreign nations in the interests of strengthening cooperation in countering international terrorism, the deputy director general noted.
According to the show's organizers, the Russian section is among the largest and most interesting ones at Milipol Qatar 2002. It comprises over 150 samples of various weapons, hardware and special equipment. Twelve defense industry enterprises, R&D institutes and design bureaus exhibit their products under the auspices of Rosoboronexport.
France and Qatar have taken turns in hosting Milipol since 1984. The show has gained a reputation of a forum for sharing experience and a beachhead for expanding the market for selling special equipment and weapons.
The organizers believe that the show contributes to efforts of the global community in combating international terrorism, illegal drugs turnover and hostage taking.
More than 150 companies from over 30 nations are taking part in Milipol Qatar 2002, which confirms the show's international authority.
In addition to Russia, the show features sections of the United States, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Korea, Spain and other nations.
The show will work until Wednesday. Access is granted to specialists only.