国际英语新闻：NATO should become forum on international security, chief says

BRUSSELS, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- NATO should become a forum where member states and their global partners will meet to discuss security issues, the alliance's chief said on Wednesday.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in a video posted on his website that "partners are increasingly crucial for our security" as the alliance is facing emerging security challenges that it cannot tackle alone, such as terrorism, missiles, cyber and piracy.

He said that while enforcing its existing partnerships, NATO should develop ties with other key countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

"I believe NATO should become a forum for consultation on international security issues - a place where views, concerns and best practices on security are shared among global partners. Such a forum would greatly benefit international security," he said.

Besides 28 NATO countries, 20 partners participate the alliance 's mission in Afghanistan, which provides a model for cooperation between NATO and its partners, he said, adding NATO's partners should gradually have greater say in decision-making.