Russia-NATO cooperation best protection for members – alliance chief

Eastern members of NATO will benefit from the alliance's partnership with Russia, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told a German newspaper.

Russia-NATO cooperation is the best protection for alliance members, believes Rasmussen.He was also optimistic about anti-missile defense cooperation, which is expected to be a key issue at the NATO summit in Lisbon this week. Mikhail Troitsky from Moscow State Institute of International Relations, is positive about Russia and NATO’s joint projects, but says Moscow should not give up its other allies.“The level of mutual trust between Russia and NATO will increase significantly, should they have a joint missile defense project. Of course Russia need not compromise any of its existing blocs or relationships, such as its very amicable relationship with China,” Troitsky said.