MUNICH, Germany — NATO's head said Sunday that the alliance should become a global "hub" of security and look beyond Afghanistan, where he urged China and Russia to get more involved.
"What could be the harm if countries such as China, India and Pakistan and others were to develop closer ties with NATO?" Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told the Munich security conference. "I think there would only be a benefit in terms of trust, confidence and cooperation."
Engaging with countries far beyond the alliance's old Cold War borders will help NATO members combat threats such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, energy cutoffs and piracy, Rasmussen said. The 28-nation group "should become the hub of a network of security partnerships."
NATO allies are seeking Russian help as they line up almost 40,000 extra soldiers to turn back a resurgent Taliban, protect civilians and train Afghan forces.
"Basically, Russia shares our security concerns," Rasmussen said. "There is scope for further Russian engagement in our operation in Afghanistan."
Rasmussen said he has "presented some proposals" on how Russia can widen its Afghan engagement. "I suggested they provide helicopters, training of helicopter pilots, spare parts, and engage more in the training of Afghan soldiers and police."
Konstantin Kosachyov, chairman of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee, said he was wary of NATO efforts to expand its influence.
"We believe that in some cases the very good concept of being a union of democratic states is just being used or abused to promote interests," he said during a panel discussion at the conference.
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