§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what areas there is co-operation between the military forces of the United Kingdom and Russia. [134963]
§ Mr. HoonWe look forward to engaging Russia in a meaningful defence relationship. We made good progress towards that objective in 1997 and 1998. But since 1999, the only significant activity that has continued unabated is a programme to re-train Russian servicemen who are about to retire.
Earlier this year, the Russians indicated that they are willing to re-commence a bilateral defence relationship with us. I welcome this and we have taken steps to re-establish the relationship. This must, clearly, be part and parcel of the UK's overall relationship with Russia and must therefore take account of the situation in Chechnya. This is why our approach is one of critical engagement.
On the operational front, Russian forces continue to work effectively with KFOR troops in Kosovo. Bilateral co-operation is resuming in a number of areas. The Naval co-operation programme includes personnel exchanges, ship visits, exercises at sea and the exchange of doctrine and operating practices. Resumption of the programme was supported during the Naval Staff talks held in June and 341W efforts to re-establish links are progressing, albeit slowly. Nevertheless, HMS Sheffield visited St. Petersburg in July and HMS Newcastle and HMS Cornwall visited Vladivostok in August.
We have also contributed a total of 11 officers from across the Services to attend three-month long United Nations Military Observer courses run by the Russians at the Vystrel Training Academy outside Moscow. Exchange visits between 20 Squadron RAF and the Russian 174 Fighter Regiment in Monchegorsk continue the ongoing affiliation between these two units. Elsewhere, there is Russian participation at various military seminars and courses in the United Kingdom organised as part of the Outreach programme.