Naval affairs are where Russian-UK cooperation is at its closest. There are fine prospects for the agreement, and another one-on wrecked submarine crew rescue. Russia has signed a similar framework agreement with NATO, and is getting over to bilateral documents with the leading NATO countries, the minister said to the media in London, where he is on visit.
Russia and the United Kingdom have a good practical program to retrain retired soldiers for civilian careers. More than 20,000 Russian military officers have got through it since 1995.
As Mr. Ivanov and Geoffrey Hoon, Britain's Secretary of Defense, meet at the negotiation table tomorrow, they will discuss international issues, too-developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and mass destruction weapon nonproliferation.
Russia is eager to join efforts with the UK on the latter, which is an essential issue-the spread of know-how and equipment with which WMDs can be manufactured has gone out of control, and the dire prospect is looming, said the minister.
