NATO seeks closer cooperation with Russia on Afghanistan

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has concluded his first visit to Moscow. He says NATO is seeking closer cooperation with Russia on its operations in Afghanistan.

In a live radio show in Russia, NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen elaborates on how Russia and the alliance could work together in Afghanistan.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary-General, said, "Firstly, I have suggested that Russia provide helicopters to the Afghan army, I have indeed presented a helicopter package which also includes training of Afghan helicopter pilots and other things."

Rasmussen is also asking Russian leaders to allow the alliance to fly cargoes -- possibly including military ones -- over Russian territory to Afghanistan.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO Secretary-General, said, "I have indicated that we would like to see an expansion of this transit facility so that it would also include for instance air transport."

Earlier, Rasmussen told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that cooperating with NATO's Afghanistan operation would benefit both sides.

NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen, left, and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)