German and French leaders' recent visits and the coming visit by NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to Russia have shown that the latest NATO enlargement has not obstructed further cooperation between Russia, Germany and France.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder paid a brief visit to Russia on Friday and French President Jacques Chirac also visited Russia on Saturday. During meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, they underscored their common understanding because the three nations have mutual needs in vital areas of interest.

The leaders discussed the European Union's (EU) imminent enlargement. They expressed their countries' readiness to boost the Russia-EU strategic partnership in various fields.

Despite its concern over EU enlargement, Russia said the two sides could reach "mutually beneficial compromises" through constructive dialogue because it helps the future buildup of a "big Europe."

The presidents of Russia and France said they had nearly converged in their views on Iraq, stressing that the crisis should be settled in the framework of the United Nations.

Schroeder reaffirmed Germany's support to Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization "on terms and conditions acceptable to Russia." Chirac also expressed his support to Russia's efforts in this regard.

After the end of the Cold War, the United States, the sole super power, has allegedly been pursuing unilateralism in international affairs. Russia, France and Germany, on the contrary, have insisted on multilateralism. The mutual needs in protecting their political, security and economic interests have boosted their cooperation.

The majority of EU countries, including France and Germany, do not want to excessively depend on the United States on security. However, the fact that they can not completely stay away from the United States and rely on their own strength provides Russia with a chance to comprehensively "integrate into Europe."

European leaders realize that Russia's support is important to the security and stability of the whole European continent. The EU will not change its long-term, strategic aim of establishing independent defense following NATO enlargement. Russia, France and Germany have great prospects for cooperation on security.

The three nations are also determined to boost Russia-EU economic cooperation. Germany is Russia's biggest trading and economic partner in Europe. Bilateral trade volume hit a record high of US$18.5 billion in 2003. Germany is also the biggest investor in Russia, with its investment accounting for 18 percent of foreign investment in Russia.

France is trying to enhance its ability to go through the energy crisis by increasing oil and natural gas imports from Russia. The two countries have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in aviation and space flight.

Finally, the three countries have common interests in rebuilding Iraq. The United States, dissatisfied with the three countries' opposition to the Iraq war, has realized the importance of their participation in Iraq's reconstruction. The three countries, on the other hand, have expressed readiness to harmonize positions so as to play a greater role in Iraq's rebuilding.

Observers say that enhancing cooperation with France and Germany would help Russia improve relations with NATO.

Putin has said any disputes with NATO can be settled through the NATO-Russia Council, created in 2002.

NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told an informal NATO foreign ministers' meeting Friday that NATO's further expansion will not effect its relations with Russia and he was ready to discuss all issues during his visit to Russia.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2004)