Interfax: Russia, NATO ready to search for solutions to European missile defense problem

(Interfax – January 28, 2014) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen are ready to search for solutions to the European missile defense problem. They have also discussed possible assistance to the UN/OPCW mission dealing with Syrian chemical weapons, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

“Problems and the prospective development of Russia-NATO relations have been discussed. S. Lavrov highlighted the need for the implementation of joint decisions on the formation of a common space of peace, security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region,” says a report posted on the ministry website after the negotiations Lavrov and Rasmussen held in Brussels on Tuesday.

“[The sides] noted the importance of the implementation of principles of genuine equality and indivisible security proclaimed in the founding documents of the Russia-NATO Council and approved by the chiefs of state. They expressed their readiness to carry on the search for solutions to the missile defense problem, to build up confidence and predictability in military political affairs and to ensure the steady growth of cooperation in response to common risks and security threats – terrorism, sea piracy, natural and man-made catastrophes, as well as in Afghanistan,” the ministry said.

The sides “exchanged opinions about pressing global affairs, including the possible assistance to the UN/OPCW mission in the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2118,” it said.

[featured image is file photo]