Wednesday the Kremlin expected Serdyukov to discuss the "division of spheres of influence" in central Asia and the south Caucasus during his visi
Washington (AFP) Sept 15, 2010 -
Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday hosted his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov in a high-profile visit symbolizing a "reset" in US-Russia ties.
Both men vowed to expand military cooperation as they marked the first visit to the Pentagon by a Russian defense minister in more than five years.
The full-day of talks reflected how relations between the former Cold War foes have improved since President Barack Obama took office, with the two sides forging common ground on the war in Afghanistan and nuclear arms control, officials said.
But Washington and Moscow still have serious disagreements on major issues, including a US plan to build a missile defense system in Europe.
Serdyukov told reporters the sensitive issue came up in talks but gave no indication if Moscow might be ready to join in the anti-missile network, which Washington says is aimed at thwarting a possible attack from Iran.
"I would not say there was any breakthrough in this discussion," a senior US defense official told reporters.
Serdyukov supported having experts from both countries hold further talks on the issue, said the US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Gates and Serdyukov signed two documents designed to deepen military ties, including a memorandum on cooperation -- replacing an outdated 1993 accord -- and a plan to form a defense working group.
The memorandum "underscores that defense cooperation is an important element strengthening the wider US-Russian relationship, especially now when our two countries confront many similar security threats and challenges," Gates said at the signing ceremony.
Serdyukov said he hoped his visit "will provide a very powerful impetus to the development of the relationship between our nations."
Washington is keen to maintain a deal agreed with Russia last year that allows the US military and NATO to move troops and supplies across Russian territory for the war in Afghanistan.
The deal has eased the pressure on supply routes through restive areas in Pakistan, now affected by devastated floods, and Gates expressed appreciation for Russia's assistance, officials said.
Russia allows both lethal and non-lethal cargo on US military flights over its territory, but prohibits the Americans from moving weapons along rail lines.
US officials have discussed the possibility of Russia allowing lethal cargo on its railway network, but there was no sign Serdyukov hinted at a change in Moscow's policy.
The US has also struck deals with countries across Central Asia to allow access to air fields and supply lines for the mission in Afghanistan, moves that have caused friction with Russia.
The Russian daily Nezavisimaya ...
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US, Russian defense chiefs promote deeper ties
Washington (AFP) Sept 15, 2010 -
Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday hosted his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov in a high-profile visit symbolizing a "reset" in US-Russia ties.
Both men vowed to expand military cooperation as they marked the first visit to the Pentagon by a Russian defense minister in more than five years.
The full-day of talks reflected how relations between the former Cold War foes have improved since President Barack Obama took office, with the two sides forging common ground on the war in Afghanistan and nuclear arms control, officials said.
But Washington and Moscow still have serious disagreements on major issues, including a US plan to build a missile defense system in Europe.
Serdyukov told reporters the sensitive issue came up in talks but gave no indication if Moscow might be ready to join in the anti-missile network, which Washington says is aimed at thwarting a possible attack from Iran.
"I would not say there was any breakthrough in this discussion," a senior US defense official told reporters.
Serdyukov supported having experts from both countries hold further talks on the issue, said the US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Gates and Serdyukov signed two documents designed to deepen military ties, including a memorandum on cooperation -- replacing an outdated 1993 accord -- and a plan to form a defense working group.
The memorandum "underscores that defense cooperation is an important element strengthening the wider US-Russian relationship, especially now when our two countries confront many similar security threats and challenges," Gates said at the signing ceremony.
Serdyukov said he hoped his visit "will provide a very powerful impetus to the development of the relationship between our nations."
Washington is keen to maintain a deal agreed with Russia last year that allows the US military and NATO to move troops and supplies across Russian territory for the war in Afghanistan.
The deal has eased the pressure on supply routes through restive areas in Pakistan, now affected by devastated floods, and Gates expressed appreciation for Russia's assistance, officials said.
Russia allows both lethal and non-lethal cargo on US military flights over its territory, but prohibits the Americans from moving weapons along rail lines.
US officials have discussed the possibility of Russia allowing lethal cargo on its railway network, but there was no sign Serdyukov hinted at a change in Moscow's policy.
The US has also struck deals with countries across Central Asia to allow access to air fields and supply lines for the mission in Afghanistan, moves that have caused friction with Russia.
The Russian daily Nezavisimaya ...
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