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Russia ready for dialogue with NATO if it improves security in Europe - senior diplomat

Russia is ready for dialogue with NATO if that helps improve security in Europe, but so far there is no positive agenda with the alliance, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko

ATHENS, January 30. /TASS/. Russia is ready for dialogue with NATO if that helps improve security in Europe, but so far there is no positive agenda with the alliance, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told Russian reporters in Athens late on Friday.

When asked whether the Russian Foreign Ministry plans any contacts with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Grushko said, "They are not considered yet. I will say that again - there is no positive agenda. All decisions have been made. As for politics, NATO announced the policy of containing Russia, the need to counter it, and that’s it."

The senior diplomat stressed, however, that Russia was ready for talks with NATO. "Nevertheless, let me say that we do not dodge contacts, and, if there is a shared understanding that such communication will result at least in some minor decisions aimed at a real improvement of the military security situation in Europe, of course, we will be ready for such a conversation.".

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