§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications his Department has had with the Russian Government over security strategies to deal with terrorist threats. [189147]
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§ Mr. HoonThe Ministry of Defence and Russian Federation conduct a bilateral Defence Relations Activity Programme designed to develop confidence, promote understanding and discuss security interests. In the last 18 months, the following principal activities have included exchanges related to security strategies to deal with terrorist threats
Visit by the Russian Defence Minister in July 2004.Visit by a party of senior Russian officers to the UK, in January 2004, for seminars and discussions under the auspices of the International Institute of Strategic Studies.Defence Staff Talks were reinstated in December 2003, following a five year gap. The MOD's Policy Director hosted the Russian MOD delegation in London.Chief of the General Staff visited Moscow, St. Petersburg and the North Caucasus Military District, in June 2003.In March 2003, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff had discussions with his counterpart, in Moscow.The NATO-Russia Council is another forum where these issues are discussed.