Moscow – The Russian Defence Ministry on Friday said top military officials from Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) discussed security issues via phone.
This is the first high-level military contact since NATO decided to freeze relations with Russia in April 2014 over the latter’s incorporation of Crimea and its alleged role in the Ukrainian crisis.
A statement issued by the ministry, said that Russian Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov and Chairman of NATO Military Committee, Peter Pavel exchanged views on current security issues.
The statement said that the two men also discussed the prospects for restoration of military interaction between Russia and NATO.
It added that they discussed prevention of incidents and participation of NATO representatives in international events organised by the Russian Defence Ministry.
“Gerasimov voiced concerns over NATO’s significant increase in its military activities near the Russian borders.
“The two parties confirmed the need for reciprocal steps to ease tensions and stabilise the situation in Europe, and agreed to continue contacts,’’ the statement said.