Nato has agreed to resume high-level contacts with Russia, working with what US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called a "greater unity of purpose".
Russia welcomed the move, six months after Nato froze contacts over the conflict between Russia and Georgia.
Mrs Clinton stressed Afghanistan, which she called "Nato's biggest military challenge", was a mutual concern.
She has raised the idea of a conference on the issue, with the participation of "all stakeholders", including Iran.
"If we move forward with such a meeting, it is expected that Iran would be invited as a neighbour of Afghanistan," she said.
.........
"We are resuming the talks within the Nato-Russia Council as soon as possible after the summit," in early April to mark the 60th anniversary of Nato, said Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak.
A statement from the Russian foreign ministry said: "This decision is a step in the right direction."
"It's time to explore a fresh start," Mrs Clinton said.
On Friday, she will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
..........
