Stoltenberg announced his intention to hold a meeting of the Russia-NATO-RBC Council

In the new year, the North Atlantic Alliance intends to host the NATO-Russia Council, said its Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Chuke.

“We remain ready for a meaningful dialogue with Russia and I intend to convene a new NATO-Russia Council meeting as soon as possible in the new year,” Stoltenberg said.

According to the secretary general, negotiations with Russia should be based on key principles of European security and take into account NATO’s fears about Russia’s actions. In addition, the alliance will consult with partners in Europe, including Ukraine, on problematic issues, Stoltenberg said.

Earlier in December, Stoltenberg expressed regret that Moscow had rejected a proposal to hold a NATO-Russia Council, and noted that it was still valid. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko explainedthat NATO did not provide any concrete initiatives to reopen the Council’s work, and proposals made by Russia to de-escalate tensions remained unanswered.