Russia's proposal for a new European security treaty is "timely," visiting Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said on Tuesday.
"This is a timely initiative," Moratinos, whose country holds the EU rotating presidency, told a news conference after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
The implementation of the proposal will be in line with Europe's interests, he said, adding that dialogues should be conducted within the
framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other organizations.
"NATO's new strategic concept manifests considerable interest toward this initiative and toward consolidation of the Russia-NATO Council's
activities," said the foreign minister.
Lavrov said Russia appreciates Spain's interest in the initiative.
On energy cooperation with the European Union, Lavrov said Russia will fulfill existing contracts and ensure energy supplies to European customers.
He reiterated Russia's refusal to ratify the European Energy Charter and its call for a new international and legal base of energy cooperation.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev put forward an initiative in June 2008 to develop a legally binding treaty on European security. He sent a draft treaty last November to leaders of other countries and international organizations of the Euro-Atlantic region. The proposal has so far received only lukewarm responses from the West.