Portuguese Ambassador To Moscow: World Situation Calls For Rapprochement Between Russia And The West

Recent tragic events in the USA have called for a rapprochement between Russia and Western Europe and between Russia and the USA, said Portuguese Ambassador to Moscow Joaquim Caimoto Duarte in a RIA Novosti interview on Wednesday, the day before Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio embarks on a visit to Russia. According to the ambassador, terrorism is closely linked with other international problems like drug trafficking and organised crime. "The world community must find a joint response to all these challenges," believes Duarte. Moscow officials, too, think it necessary to mobilize and unite democratic countries' efforts to fight international terrorism and extremism. It is equally important to effect a radical transformation of international relations in the face of new challenges and threats.