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International arms show opens in Minsk

Milex, a biennial international arms and military equipment exhibition, opened in Minsk on July 9, drawing the largest number of participants since its launch in 2001.

Some 150 companies based in Belarus, China, Italy, Russia and Ukraine are displaying their products and services at the four-day event.

China is represented by an aerospace industry company, while one of the largest booths is occupied by Ukraine's aircraft engine manufacturer Motor Sich.

The exhibition is hosted by the soccer arena on Victors Avenue and occupies a floorspace of nearly 13,000 square meters, almost twice the size of the previous exhibition's venue.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich said that the exhibition was aimed at providing detailed information about the Belarusian defense industry's potential to foreign partners.

The exhibition debuts Belarusian-made unmanned aircraft systems, mobile relay stations and off-road vehicles assembled by Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant, said the prime minister.

"Hopefully, participation in the exhibition will create favorable preconditions for concluding mutually beneficial contracts, give a new impetus to the further promotion of military and dual-purpose equipment in foreign markets, and also contribute to raising Belarus' international authority," he said.

Military delegations of more than 23 countries are expected to participate in Milex, including those representing Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, China, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Tajikistan, and Thailand. //BelaPAN