Russia-NATO relations turn a new page, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated at Dec. 16 meeting with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

“Today, after a number of meetings and decisions, we inaugurate new epoch of relationship. Your statement made after the appointment to the post of NATO Secretary General, as well as our joint activities contribute to this process,” Medvedev outlined.

Russia — NATO relations went through different periods from “cold war” to the establishment of partnership, Medvedev said. He also recalled the complications emerged after the August 2008 war. According to him, today both parties have a lot to discuss, including fight against terrorism, criminality, and joint resistance to common threats.

“The number of threats did not decrease, even increased. Who could ever think that we will have to jointly address the issue like piracy,” he noted.

Russian President also stressed that a lot depends on Russia-NATO intercourse and expressed hope Rasmussen’s visit to Moscow will contribute to “more stable and productive” relations, Izvestia daily reports.

L.A.