NATO countries intend to build a lasting and comprehensive peace with Russia in the Euro-Atlantic region, according to a final declaration adopted after the NATO summit on Saturday.

The leaders of 28 NATO countries said they want to see Russia and the Alliance to develop strategic partnership. The summiteers said they intend to act adequately and they wait for mutual steps from Russia. They confirm the commitment to the purposes, principles and obligations of the Russia-NATO Council.

The NATO leaders called on Russia to fulfil its obligations towards Georgia in compliance with the agreements reached under the EU mediation on August 12 and on September 8, 2008.

The summiteers lauded the joint security review, which determined key directions of cooperation with Afghanistan, including the fight against drug trafficking, the non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, the fight against piracy and the response to natural and technogenic catastrophes.

NATO welcomed Russia’s readiness to expand an agreement on cargo transit for International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Finally, the Alliance confirmed its interest in active missile defence cooperation with Russia, including in resuming the work on theatre missile defence.

The Alliance also intends to hold an active political dialogue in the Russia-NATO Council on a wide range of issues in the field of security, including on the issues where the parties failed to reach agreement.

The dialogue and cooperation with Russia should also help settle disagreements and strengthen mutual trust and mutual understanding, transparency and predictability, the declaration stresses.