§ 21. Dr. Vincent Cable (Twickenham)What discussions he has had with the US Administration about threats posed to western security by Russia. [156948]
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)I have had discussions with the US Administration on a wide range of defence items, including threats to western security. The 1999 NATO strategic concept made clear that Russia was not currently regarded as a threat and that
a strong, stable and enduring partnership between NATO and Russia is essential to achieve lasting stability in the Euro-Atlantic area".
§ Dr. CableDoes the Secretary of State share the increasingly sceptical and hostile attitude of the Bush Administration to Russia on proliferation, espionage and other matters, or does he feel that there is an opportunity to strengthen our relations with Russia under the common European Union framework?
§ Mr. HoonI have made it clear that, under the framework of NATO, we support NATO's 1999 20 conclusion that efforts should be made to secure a strong, stable and enduring partnership between NATO and Russia.