Russian Foreign Minister Mr Igor Ivanov has pledged unconditional support for the United States in its international campaign against terrorism.
He promised "full solidarity with the American people" during meetings today with US leaders.
A senior State Department official said Mr Ivanov assured US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell that Russia had no objection to US co-operation with the former Soviet republics of Central Asia in the anti-terrorism fight.
The assurance could open the way for a co-operative effort between the United States and one or more of the three former Soviet Republics that border on Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan already has offered help. The other two are Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
"The world should be resolved to - co-operatively and in solidarity - act very decisively against terrorism," Mr Ivanov said after speaking with President Mr George W. Bush.
He also promised support during an earlier meeting with Mr Powell, who said the Russians pledged unconditional support despite differences between the two nations on issues including the rebellious Chechnya region and a US missile defence plan that would violate the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty.
"They [the Russians] were very forthcoming, they want to be helpful, and they didn't put any specific requests or bills with links on the table," Mr Powell said.
PA