Britain Is Interested In Strengthening Partnership Between Russia And Nato

Britain is interested in strengthening partnership between Russia and NATO, said Sir Roderic Lyne, Britain's ambassador to Russia, at a press-conference in Moscow. In his words, the British side displays a keen interest in the development of the market economy and democracy in Russia. Britain supports the idea of Russia's closer integration into European structures, he said. When speaking about the forthcoming visit to Moscow of the British foreign minister Jack Straw, which is due to arrive on October 31, the ambassador noted that this would be his first visit to the Russian capital. The British minister will have a most busy schedule in Moscow. In the afternoon, Jack Straw will meet with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. The sides are expected to focus on the fight against international terrorism and the problems of the Middle East and the Balkans. The Afghan problems will also be discussed.