Press Release M-EAPC-D 1(97)74 13 June 1997

Chairman's Summary Meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in Defence Ministers Session Defence Ministers and representatives of NATO Allies and Cooperation Partner nations met today in Brussels for the inaugural meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) in Defence Ministers Session. Twenty-six Partner nations were represented. The EAPC, inaugurated at Sintra on 30th May, is a new cooperative forum which will provide a framework for political consultation and for practical cooperation under the enhanced Partnership for Peace. Defence Ministers will meet twice yearly in this new EAPC. Today's agenda included discussions on a broad spectrum of European security issues. Ministers praised the accomplishments of SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to which fifteen Partner nations contribute, and stressed the need fully to implement the civil aspects of the Peace Agreement. They welcomed the signing of the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation, and the initialling of the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine. Ministers reviewed the continuing development of PfP practical cooperation. They looked forward to the implementation of the initiatives approved by the North Atlantic Council, based on the report of the Senior Level Group on PfP enhancement. Ministers also noted the Consolidated Report on the Planning and Review Process. This biennial report provides a broad assessment of the current status of PARP, an overview of progress achieved by each country participating in the process, and guidance for Allies and Partners. Eighteen Partner nations participate in the second PARP cycle.