Mr Gorbachev also faced significant foreign policy challenges, perhaps none greater than the threat of nuclear weapons. In his initial months in power, Gorbachev announced a unilateral freeze on deploying intermediate range missiles in Europe. Through engagement and dialogue, and with US President Reagan as a partner, he offered a different view of the world's future, amplified by this statement "A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought." Gorbachev's relentless efforts on nuclear disarmament and arms control reminds us of what is possible and can be achieved, even in times of conflict of heightened tensions. Mr Gorbachev understood the counterbalance required to preserve stability.