Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin has called the new Russia-NATO Council his country's latest contribution to international security.
He says the agreement is a very important document that will change the quality of relations between Russia and NATO. He is to sign it at an Italian air force base tomorrow with the 19 NATO leaders.
The new Russia-NATO Council is intended to give Russia an equal say in forming policy on fighting terrorism and some European security issues.
The Russian leader's comments come after a nuclear arms control deal with the US.