OREANDA-NEWS. April 29, 2009. A conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Javier Solana, European Union Council Secretary General and High Representative for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, took place on the sidelines of the Russia-EU Permanent Partnership Council at the level of ministers of foreign affairs.

The sides thoroughly discussed pressing international problems, including the Iranian nuclear problem, Middle East settlement, and the situation around Kosovo, in Moldova and in other conflict zones in and outside Europe.

Special attention was paid to strengthening WMD nonproliferation regimes and stepping up arms control and disarmament efforts.

The ministers exchanged views about the prospects for the further development of collaboration between Russia and the EU in the international arena and in responding to common threats and challenges. A positive assessment was given to the mission in Chad/CAR and regarding the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia.