NATO Not Seeking to Isolate Russia, China - Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has commented on the bloc's position toward ties with Russia and China.

TOKYO (Sputnik) – NATO believes in dialogue with Russia and does not want a new Cold War, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is on a visit in Japan, has told RIA Novosti.

"We are in favor of the NATO-Russia Council. We welcome that we had several meetings of the NATO-Russia Council since summer of 2016. We believe in dialogue, because we don't want new Cold War, we don't want a new arms race and Russia is our neighbor. When we have differences, we have to sit down and solve them," Stoltenberg said.

"We just had a meeting last week so we have not decided on next one. But we are addressing different issues."

Speaking at a press conference in Japan, Stoltenberg also said the alliance is not seeking to isolate Russia and China, adding that NATO was applying the policy of dialogue and defense. According to him, a strong NATO could hold dialogue with large countries.

Earlier in the day, the chairman of the NATO Military Committee (CMC) General Petr Pavel echoed Stoltenberg's statement in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti, saying that the alliance was interested in a dialogue with Russia despite differences.

READ MORE: NATO General: Alliance Interested in Dialogue With Russia Despite Difference