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The UK and Spain today signed an agreement which could lead to more joint defence equipment projects between the two countries.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Co-operation was signed in Madrid by Defence Procurement Minister Lord Bach and Snr Fernando Diez Moreno, Spanish Defence Secretary.
Lord Bach said:
"I am delighted that we have been able to sign this MOU today. It provides an important framework through which we can take forward and build on the excellent links which our Governments and industries already enjoy. Through it we will be able to identify common defence equipment requirements and encourage our industries to work together to meet them."
The MOU will enable both Governments to assist their industries in many areas including the exchange of technical information and support in marketing co-operative products.
It will encourage and assist both countries'' industries to work together not only to meet national requirements but to achieve export success in third country markets and develop strong sustainable industrial partnerships.
The UK and Spain already collaborate on a range of equipment projects, including Eurofighter, the Meteor air-to-air missile,and the A400M transport aircraft.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The MoD web-site can be found at http://www.mod.uk. It provides a link to our on-line news service, UK Defence Today, which can also be accessed directly at http://news.mod.uk
2. Alternatively you may contact the MoD Press Office by e-mail at press@dgics.mod.uk.
