Stoltenberg: We continue to seek a dialogue with Russia, we consider it possible

It is possible to strengthen relations between NATO and Russia, and a dialogue should be sought, the Secretary-General of the Alliance Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview for today’s issue of the French daily Figaro.

“Russia remains our neighbor, and we’d like relations between us not to turn into a new Cold War or another arms race. We continue to seek a dialogue with Russia, and we consider it possible. I became convinced of it while I was Prime Minister of Norway,” Stoltenberg said.

He said relations with Russia should be improved and any risks of possible incidents should be minimized since the current tensions could lead to dangerous situations.

Russia has strengthened its position and modernized its military capacities, especially its nuclear potential, the NATO chief said.

Stoltenberg yet again criticized the annexation of Crimea, as well as Russia’s cyber attacks and hybrid actions to ‘weaken Western democratic institutions.’ NATO has responded to this in like manner by reinforcing collective defense, he said.