Chief Of Staff Of French Armed Forces Highly Assessed Russia's Role In European Affairs

Chief of staff of the French armed forces Jean Pierre Kelche believes Russian participation in the European affairs is vitally important. He said this on Thursday, during his meeting in Moscow with Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov. "Collaboration between our military departments reflects the deep friendship between the two countries' peoples. Our interests on the European continent coincide ever more greatly, stressed the French general. He is satisfied with the fact that the European Union began comprehending seriously its responsibility in the field of defence and security. According to Kelche, "we all have a great potential here". As far as the rapprochement between Russia and NATO is concerned, the French military leader believes it is favourable for the European cooperation. The general thanked the Russian defence minister for Rissian assistance rendered to France in delivering its humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.