US looking forward to work with Russia
The US is looking forward to work with Russia in Afghanistan as it is in interest of both the nations to stabilise the situation in the war-ravaged country, the State Department said.
The US is looking forward to work with Russia in Afghanistan as it is in interest of both the nations to stabilise the situation in the war-ravaged country, the State Department said.
"We certainly look forward to working with Russia on Afghanistan. It's in both of countries' interest to try to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan and bring about, you know, more economic development and security in the country," State Department Spokesperson Robert Wood said.
Wood was responding to a question bringing to his attention to the recent statement by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in which he welcomed the decision of the US President Barack Obama to review the Afghan policy and said that Russia is ready to cooperate with the US including on supply route for NATO forces to Afghanistan.
"It was a very, very strong signal that this Administration sent to the region when Ambassador Holbrooke was appointed to be the Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan. So I think that it itself shows you how serious the Administration is about trying to work on these issues. And working with Russia will be a key component of that," Wood said.
When specifically asked if Russian Government has conveyed to Obama Administration its interest in working together on Afghanistan, specially the supply routes, Wood said, "I mean, we'll be having conversations with the Russians and have had conversations with the Russians at a number of levels to talk about, you know, enhancing our cooperation in Afghanistan."