Article Posted on : - Jul 22, 2011

LONDON (BNS): French and British ministers hosted the first UK-France Military Industry Day to build closer ties between the two key allies and their military markets.

The British Defence Minister Peter Luff and French Délégué Général Laurent Collet-Billon inaugurated the forum for both governments to engage with industry and discuss issues relevant to last November's Franco-British Treaty.

Representatives from both the UK and French defence industries discussed over the joint co-operation on equipment and capabilities, including research and technology, industrial sectors and investments.

"Since the British Prime Minister and French President signed the Treaty on Defence Co-operation we have made excellent progress, but real and significant opportunities lie ahead,” Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said

"We needed to deliver effective military equipment in the most efficient manner, minimising national constraints, developing interdependence where possible and strengthening industrial competitiveness."

The hosts welcomed the close relationship between UK Aerospace, Defence and Security industries and the Conseil des Industriels de Défense Françaises.

This was formalised through the signature on 13 July 2010 of a new Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bringing the industries of both countries closer together in support of the treaty's objectives.