NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen telephoned Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin.

According to a press release, he congratulated Mr Putin on his return to office and said that he looks forward to continued engagement and constructive dialogue.

The Secretary General emphasized NATO’s commitment, and his own personal commitment, to working with the President-elect to establish a true strategic partnership between NATO and Russia, as agreed at the Lisbon summit in 2010.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the foundation of the NATO-Russia Council, created as the permanent forum for discussions at all times and on all issues. The Secretary General noted the tangible successes which NATO-Russia cooperation has produced over the last decade, especially related to Afghanistan, counter-narcotics and counter-piracy. He expressed his hope that it would be possible to move forward on cooperation on missile defence, as such cooperation would benefit both NATO and Russia.

President-elect Putin underlined his commitment to good, stable relations with NATO. The Secretary General thanked him for his frankness and constructive approach. The Secretary General and President-elect agreed to meet bilaterally in the not too distant future.