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Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union

Submitted on 2010-11-30 23:00:00

Russia-EU military staff-to-staff talks

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On November 30, 2010 the first round of Russia-EU military staff-to-staff talks took place in Brussels. This format at expert level was set up by agreement reached between the Russian Chief of General Staff, Army General N.Makarov and the EU Military Committee Chairman, General H.Syren. The Russian delegation was headed by Assistant Chief of General Staff, Major-General I.Buvaltsev. The European Union team was led by the Head of Partnership and Military capabilities in the EU Council Secretariat’s Crisis Management and Planning Directorate, Ms.Alda Silveira-Reis.

During the meeting a fruitful exchange of views took place on two categories of issues:

1. Common Security and Defence Policy structures and capabilities. Transformation of the Russian Armed Forces. Collective Security Treaty Organization, its aims, tasks and main areas of activities.
2. Situation in the Horn of Africa area. Possible joint efforts in combating piracy and in ensuring regional security.

The Parties came to the conclusion on the need to continue further developing relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union in the area of defence and security, including crisis management. Joint practical measures in combating piracy off the Somali coast were agreed. The delegations also agreed to assess further enhancement of military contacts between the Russian Federation and the European Union.

The participants highlighted a preliminary agenda for the next round of staff-to-staff talks. Their time and venue are to be determined shortly.