NATO is seeking more support from Russia over the war in Afghanistan and the cooperation package is expected to be sealed at a NATO-Russia Council summit in Lisbon on Nov. 20, NATO's spokesman said on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.
NATO spokesman James Appathurai told a press briefing that the alliance wants to "broaden" the transit agreement in which Russia allowed NATO to ferry non-lethal supplies to Afghanistan via its territory.
NATO wants the rail transit to travel in and out of Afghanistan and "broaden the eligibility criteria for what actually can go on the trains in both directions to include, for example, armored vehicles," Appathurai said.
The alliance also wants Russia to provide about 20 Mi-17 transport helicopters, spare parts and training for pilots to Afghanistan, he said, adding some helicopters will be purchased commercially by Afghanistan and others donated by Russia.
Russia is running a training center near Moscow for Afghan anti-narcotics officials. Appathurai said that Moscow is considering opening a second training center near St. Petersburg which will be open to Pakistan and other countries.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is scheduled to attend the NATO summit in Lisbon, highlighting the improving ties, which were severely damaged by the war between Russia and Georgia in August 2008.
Appathurai told reporters that "we hope to agree a package by the NRC (NATO-Russia Council) summit."
Besides the war in Afghanistan, NATO wants Russia to participate in an anti-missile shield project covering Europe that is expected to be approved by NATO leaders at the summit.
NATO and Russia leaders will discuss a roadmap for future cooperation on missile defense, both at the level of theater and territorial missile defense, Appathurai said.