Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin said today he was unconcerned about a delay in starting a new NATO-Russia Council, saying there was no need to rush.
"Russia is not desperately knocking on NATO's door," Mr Putin told a news conference in Athens.
"I don't think that this procedure should be [artificially] sped up. We have collaboration in an atmosphere of trust and goodwill. This work should continue," he said.
NATO agreed in principle yesterday to set up a council with Russia to identify and pursue opportunities for joint action.
But the 19 NATO allies put off launching the new body until a meeting in Iceland next May amid signs that the United States and former Warsaw Pact allies now in the alliance were having misgivings about how deep the relationship should be.
"It is obvious today that Russia's participation in the anti-terrorism movement is proof that Russia must play an important role," Mr Putin said.
"There are a number of issues where Russia's voice should be taken into consideration from the start . . . before decisions are taken," he said.
"We agree with Tony Blair who moved forward the initiative to create a special body where issues will be solved based on 20 countries. [But] I don't think we should jump ahead. If there are any doubts, in the process of negotiation they can be resolved," he said.