NATO and Russia move forward on interoperability
Meeting in Brussels on 9 January, Ministers of Defence from the 26 NATO countries and Russia discussed defence reform and military co-operation, the fight against terrorism as well as international security.
Meetingin Brussels on 9 January, Ministers of Defence from the 26 NATOcountries and Russia discussed defence reform and militaryco-operation, the fight against terrorism as well as internationalsecurity.
The meeting of the NATO-Russia Councilendorsed Political-Military Guidance towards Enhanced Interoperabilitybetween Forces of Russia and NATO Nations, which will facilitate thepreparation of NATO and Russian forces for possible joint operations.
They also welcomed the completion of the first phase of a FeasibilityStudy of a Cooperative Airspace Initiative. When fully implemented,this Initiative will allow for a reciprocal exchange of civil andmilitary air traffic data between NATO and Russia.
Aiming for joint operations
Russian Defence Minister Ivanov provided details on the 15 th MotorisedRifle Brigade, a Russian unit that has been selected and prepared forparticipation in international peacekeeping operations.
Ministers also reviewed joint co-operation in the fight againstterrorism and discussed key political issues, including the situationin the Balkans, Iraq and the Darfur region of Sudan.
The issue of security and stability in Central Asia, including the recent tragic events in Uzbekistan, was also discussed.