Speaking at an international parliamentary conference on pan-European cooperation, now underway in St. Petersburg, Mr. Ivanov pointed out European nations' unique culture of settling disputes and conflicts collectively and on the basis of law, tolerance and mutual respect. This culture has made it possible for Europe to achieve its highest ever level of security and prosperity.
By acting in line with these values, Europe could make an invaluable contribution to the construction of a new, more secure and just world order, the top Russian security official pointed out. He also said Russia's future was inseparable from that of the rest of Europe. Although they disagree on some issues, Russia and Euroland have common ground, and can now understand each other better than ever before, he noted.
Ivanov reminded his audience that Russia and Europe saw eye to eye on issues relating to the fight against global terrorism, drug trafficking, and trans-border crime and that the Russian government and European organizations were trying to jointly find solutions to the long-standing conflicts in the Balkans and the Middle East.
