Nato

One of the declared aims of my presidency is therefore to enhance cooperation with Russia and build a new foundation for this cooperation. I will work to re-establish a close working relationship with the Russian Duma and Federation Council. It is my firm belief that we must have as much interaction with our Russian counterparts as possible.
Since the conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia in August 2008, the relations between our Assembly and Russia have not always been easy. In November 2008, we decided to restrict the rights of the Russian delegation and exclude their members from a whole range of activities. It was important to set an example at that time.
But now we have to look forward: At our next meeting of the Standing Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in the Azores in April this year, I will lend my support to end these suspensions and to reopen all channels of communication. We are of course a democratic organization and I cannot assure you of the outcome of those deliberations, but I believe that many of my fellow parliamentarians share my view. Furthermore, I plan to visit Russia in my capacity as President as soon as possible.
This is our opportunity to work on solutions to our common problems. This is our role and you can rely on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to play its part in building a constructive, pragmatic and realistic relationship with the Russian Federation.