The Russian President and the Czech Prime Minister discussed Russia-NATO relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Czech Prime Minister Milos Zeman discussed Russia-NATO and Russia-EU relations. The Czech Prime Minister told about this at a press conference. Answering questions on the Czech stance on Russia-NATO relations, Zeman noted that negotiations are underway to replace the mechanism for cooperation at "19 plus 1" format" for "20" format as "NATO's goal is gradually changing". "The Cold War is over, but a new enemy appeared - international terrorism", said the Czech Prime Minister. "We appreciate Russia's approach toward the efforts to combat terrorism and this allows to deepen the Russia-NATO relations", he stressed. According to Zeman, he discussed this issue at the Prague meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair two weeks ago. Milos Zeman said that during the meeting he discussed with Vladimir Putin the issues of combating terrorism, and in this context they touched upon the situation in the Middle East. They also discussed Russia-NATO relations. Answering the questions on his impressions from the meeting with Vladimir Putin, Milos Zeman said that "personally he thinks it nice that the Russian President had time to meet with him". He appreciates the fact that the meeting was held in a cordial, friendly atmosphere. According to Zeman, he "respects Putin for not making empty promises". "Vladimir Putin is a great politician who managed to calm the roaring sea where the ship of the Russian Federation had been sailing", said figuratively the head of the Czech Government. At the same time he stressed that the calmness "is dynamic".