NATO's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called for a new strategic partnership with Russia.

In his first major foreign policy address as Nato chief, Rasmussen called for a "joint review" with Moscow of global security challenges, the BBC reported.

Rasmussen was speaking in Brussels after the US announced it was shelving plans for controversial missile defence bases in Poland and the Czech Republic.

He urged the US, Nato and Russia to study a joint missile defence system.

"We should explore the potential for linking the US, Nato and Russia missile defence systems at an appropriate time," he said.

"I would like Russia and Nato to agree to carry out a joint review of the new 21st Century security challenges, to serve as a firm basis for our future co-operation."

The former Danish prime minister, who took over as Nato's head in August, also called for Moscow's co-operation on Afghanistan and Iran.

A revitalised Nato-Russia Council would provide "a forum for serious dialogue", he said.

Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's ambassador to Nato, welcomed Rasmussen's remarks as "very positive, very constructive"

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