Russian-French Security Council to be set up

On Monday French foreign minister Dominique de Villepin met Russian Security Council secretary Vladimir Rushailo in Moscow. They discussed the future Russian-French Security Council. The documents setting up the body are to be signed by Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov and his French counterpart in Moscow on Monday. The Council is being created by the decision of the two presidents.

Russia's Security Council will render practical help to the joint body, Rushailo said. Russia attaches special importance to the practical activities of the Council and hopes that it will play an active part in the countries' cooperation in strengthening strategic stability and international security, he pointed out. It may have a special role in settling regional conflicts, the Russian representative believes.