From the AP: Russia and NATO formally resumed military ties Tuesday in the latest sign of improving relations between the Cold War rivals as they move to boost cooperation in the fight against insurgents in Afghanistan.

It was the first meeting between NATO and Russia military officials since relations broke down in the wake of Russia’s war with Georgia in August 2008.

Russian Chief of Staff Gen. Nikolai Makarov held talks with NATO’s top officer, Italian Adm. Giampaolo Di Paola, before a formal meeting with the defense chiefs of NATO’s 27 member states, said Col. Massimo Panizzi, spokesman for NATO’s military committee. (photo: NATO)