Former Belgian Premier opines that Russia is destined to become superpower

Mark Eiskens, former Belgian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, presently professor of the Catholic University of Louven is confident that Russia will again acquire the superpower status.

While speaking on Friday in Louven at the ceremony of presenting awards to two graduates of the university who defended diploma papers on the subject of relations between the European Union and Russia Eiskens stated that Russia was a "great country that will acquire the superpower status." The professor forecast further intensification of political and economic cooperation between the EU and Russia. Eiskens did not exclude the possibility of Russia joining NATO "where Russia made a step forward within the framework of 19+1 formula." In the opinion of the former Belgian premier, NATO as a structure would efficiently counter international terrorism.

In 2002 after establishment of the Russia-NATO Council the "19+1" format was restructured into a full-scale "20" format.

George Robertson, Secretary General of NATO earlier stated that it facilitated commencement of the process of active cooperation between the parties to apply joint efforts in the struggle against challenges and threats of the 21st century.