On the first visit by a Russian head of state since the two nations established relations all the way back in 1891, Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, met with Vicente Fox, President of Mexico. On the agenda were increased military cooperation, including an agreement to construct near Mexico City a military industrial factory, and the construction of a maintenance center for helicopters in the state of Hidalgo. Further, Mexico also is keen to request Russia to join a recently formed group promoting Iraq's sovereignty and development. Mexico has recently begun using Russian-made military equipment, which is slightly less expensive than those made elsewhere.