Nato to resume formal ties with Russia

NATO agreed last night to resume formal ties with Russia, suspended after Moscow’s war with Georgia, in the hope of winning Russian backing for its struggle to stabilise Afghanistan.

“We can and must find ways to work constructively with Russia where we share areas of common interest, including helping the people of Afghanistan,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

Russia immediately welcomed the move, which was agreed at a meeting of Nato foreign ministers.