Heads of Roscosmos, NASA discuss further work of ISS, cooperation on lunar programs

MOSCOW. July 31 (Interfax0 - The heads of the space agencies of Russia and the United States held the first talks since 2018 and discussed further operation of the International Space Station (ISS), cooperation on lunar programs and exploration of outer space," Roscosmos said on Thursday.

"Dmitry Bakanov and U.S. Secretary of Transportation and head of NASA Sean Duffy held talks. This is the first in-person meeting between the heads of the space agencies since 2018," Roscosmos said in a statement.

The sides discussed further operation of the ISS, cooperation on lunar programs, joint exploration of outer space and further interaction on other space projects, the state corporation said.

The other issues addressed in the meeting include continuation of the cross-flight program, prolongation of ISS operation, and the work of the Russian-U.S. working group on issues concerning future safe de-orbiting and sinking of the ISS, Roscosmos said.

The meeting participants "emphasized the importance of further dialogue and cooperation in the current situation," the state corporation said.

"We spoke about unique cooperation between the two countries, which has lasted for many years, about the need to continue our partnership, we want to move on," Duffy was quoted as saying by the Roscosmos press service.

The previous talks between the heads of the Russian and U.S. space agencies took place in Baikonur in October 2018. Roscosmos was then led by Dmitry Rogozin, and NASA was led by Jim Bridenstine.