President Putin: Russia-NATO document to contribute to security architecture

Russian President Vladimir Putin expects the document on the changed relations between Russia and NATO to be signed in Rome on May 28th to become Russia's contribution to the new security architecture in the world.

Putin said as much at his traditional Monday meeting with government members.

The Russian head of state also remarked that US President George Bush's visit to Moscow had ended positively and produced tangible results. "Those who drafted the documents proved to be more optimistic than I am," said the president.

He thanked top officials of the foreign ministry, the defence ministry and the general staff of Russia's armed forces for their work over the signed documents.

According to the president, during the talks the sides met each other halfway and agreed on a document meeting national interests of Russia and the US thereby making considerable progress in enhancing international security. "In this format, we both praise each other and tackle problems," said Putin.