Moscow, Canberra discuss nuclear non-proliferation, counter-terrorism

The 5th round of the Russian-Australian military-political consultations focused on nuclear non-proliferation and counter-terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region. The consultations were held in Moscow on July 15-16, the Russian Foreign Ministry's press and information department told RIA Novosti on Friday.

The participants discussed global and regional stability and defense policy, relations between the leading Asia-Pacific countries and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, in particular, the six-nation talks on the North Korean nuclear problem (Russia, the U.S., China, Japan, North Korea and South Korea).

"The sides were concerned about the centers of international terrorism, religious and ethnic extremism and separatism in the Asia-Pacific region," the press and information department reported.

They also considered disarmament, missile and nuclear non-proliferation, prevention of arms race in space and control over arms exports.

"The participants analyzed the condition of Russian-Australian relations and expressed satisfaction with their positive dynamics," the department added.

The next round of the consultations will be held in Canberra.