Russia (Military Relations)

HC Deb 17 January 2000 vol 342 cc282-3W

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on military relations with Russia. [105026]

Mr. Hoon

Engaging Russia in a constructive bilateral defence relationship is a high priority for the Government. Russia remains the highest priority in our "Outreach" programme of defence assistance to central and eastern Europe countries. We wish to continue to develop an effective defence relationship with Russia and made good progress towards that objective in 1997 and 1998. Last year, however, the Russians curtailed co-operative activities as a sign of their opposition to UK/US action in Iraq and NATO action in Kosovo.