Talks Between Heads Of Russian And Us Defence Departments Launched In Moscow

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov met on Saturday US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in his study. Reportedly, the agenda of the talks stipulates the discussion of a whole range of issues of international security in the light of the current US anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan. The officials will also touch upon the issues of strategic stability relating to the 1972 ABM and START Treaties. The talks are held as part of preparations for the first official visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the United States due in mid-November. Negotiations between the military delegations of the two states will follow the face-to-face meeting between Ivanov and Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.