Vladimir Putin Declares Russia's Readiness "qualitatively" To Change Relations With Nato

Vladimir Putin has declared Russia's readiness "qualitatively to change" relations with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Asked by RIA Novosti at a press conference in Brussels, the Russian head of state said that Moscow is prepared to broaden relations with the North Atlantic Alliance and the emerging European security systems for creating "a single European security space". Simultaneously, Vladimir Putin spoke up for establishing a permanent security structure in Europe. In turn, Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhoftstadt, asked by RIA Novosti, voiced the opinion that "the Russia-NATO contacts play an important role" in creating a single European security space. To him, both Russia and NATO have the will and capabilities for the development of these contacts.