Anti-terror Crusade, Arms Nonproliferation Lead Russia-nato Teamwork: Russian Defence Minister

The anti-terror cause and mass destruction weapon nonproliferation are primary goals of upgraded Russia-NATO partnership, Sergei Ivanov, Russia's Defence Minister, said upon arrival in Brussels to attend tomorrow's Russia-NATO Permanent Council session at a defence-ministerial level. The world is facing new threats and challenges, with which no country can cope singlehanded, however strong it may be. The latest dangers present a basis to consolidate Russian and NATO efforts, said the minister. He described his Brussels schedule as "short and tight", what with the council session and several bilateral conferences. Tonight, Sergei Ivanov is meeting with Donald Rumsfeld, US Defence Secretary, and later on, with his counterparts of Germany, France, Poland and Belgium. Mr. Ivanov will address the Higher Royal Military Institute in Brussels, and attend a session of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council.