Russian President Vladimir Putin invited former deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin to head the state corporation ”Roskosmos”.

Putin’s meeting with Rogozin took place in the fields of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2018).

“We have repeatedly and for a long time discussed the development of “Roskosmos”. It is not necessary to say how important it is for the economy, for many other areas, including the sphere of security ” – said the President of the Russian Federation.

“You have reported to me proposals, how to strengthen and develop this company, we have discussed this many times,” Putin said to Rogozin. “There is a wonderful opportunity as the head of this company to start implementing all the proposed development plans.”

In response, Rogozin, who oversaw in the government also the space industry, said that he would do everything possible and necessary to justify the president’s confidence.

Putin proposed to Rogozin to strengthen the staff of Roskosmos with profile specialists.

“We must also look at strengthening of the team, so that this whole industry is headed by people who know how it works from the inside. It should be good specialists, highly qualified scientists, organizers”- the President said. Putin noted, that he would discuss this issue with Rogozin.

Until now, the head of “Roskosmos” was Igor Komarov, who headed the state corporation since January 21, 2015.