On its part, Russia intends to do everything it can to develop these relations positively.
President Vladimir Putin expressed the hope that the expansion of NATO would help to strengthen trust in Europe and all over the world, and would be a tool and component for strengthening international security.
At the same time, the Russian President confirmed Russia’s unchanged position on the problem of the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
Experience shows that the mechanical expansion of NATO does not make it possible to resist today’s primary threats effectively, the President noted. However, every country has the right to choose whatever option it considers most effective for ensuring its security.